Counseling services
Last updated
Counseling services are an IEP related service, from a counselor, psychologist or social worker, that supports a student's emotional and social needs.
Topic: Services, placement and staff
In plain terms
Counseling as a related service is different from general school counseling available to every student. It is listed in the IEP with minutes and a provider, and it targets needs that affect learning: anxiety, coping skills, anger management, social problem solving or school avoidance. It can be individual or in a small group.
How it shows up in an IEP
Counseling goals should be measurable, such as "will use a coping strategy from a personal list in 4 of 5 observed moments of frustration," with data from teachers as well as the counselor. Confidential session content is not data; observable skill use is.
Example
A student with anxiety receives 30 minutes of counseling every other week. Between sessions, teachers note each time the student uses a break pass instead of leaving the room.
The rule
Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.34(c)(2).
Related terms
- Related servicesRelated services are supports, such as speech therapy, transportation or counseling, that a student needs to benefit from special education.
- Emotional disturbanceEmotional disturbance is an IDEA category for emotional or behavioral conditions that last a long time, to a marked degree, and affect learning.
- Self-regulationSelf-regulation is the ability to manage one's energy, emotions, attention and behavior to fit the situation and reach goals.
- De-escalationDe-escalation is a set of calm, planned adult responses that help a student who is becoming upset return to a regulated state safely.
- BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan)A BIP is a written plan, based on an FBA, that describes how staff will prevent a behavior, teach a replacement skill and respond when the behavior happens.
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