School Counseling in the Aftermath of COVID-19: Student Needs Heighten as Professional Challenges Persist (Poster 24)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Five
  In Poster Session: Division E Counseling Poster Session

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unparalleled disruption of student learning, which has reportedly negatively impacted students’ mental health and well-being. School counselors are the most prevalent mental health care professionals in school and provide support for all students social and emotional needs and academic success. This study used an exploratory survey design to investigate school counselors' perspectives on students' current mental health and academic functioning, interventions they have deployed, and barriers encountered. Results indicate that; (a) students’ mental health has significantly declined across all grade levels and is interconnected with academic problems; (b)school counselors have provided support consistent with crisis counseling, and (c) caseload and non-counseling duties have created significant barriers in the provision of care.

Authors

• Chloe Lancaster, University of South Florida
  Presenting Author

• Michelle W. Brasfield, University of Memphis
  Presenting Author