As a society, our mental health struggles seem to be on a never-ending upward trend and there is a significant rise in demand for mental health counselors in schools and colleges.
Unfortunately, our children aren’t immune to this phenomenon. In fact, more young people than ever are dealing with mental health issues, and schools and universities are a breeding ground for all sorts of emotional challenges.
Educators are doing what they can, but they’re not equipped for the scale of help needed. Parents are worried, and school systems are stretched. Fortunately, there is a remedy: mental health counselors. It’s just that right now, there simply aren’t enough of them.
Why the Demand for Mental Health Counselors Is Growing
Academic stress has always been a source of stress for students, but social media adds an unprecedented layer of competition and pressure. The COVID-19 pandemic has also taken a toll, with many students finding it hard to adapt to ‘normal life’ after such an upheaval at a critical time in their development.
Students are becoming more open about their struggles as we shift towards a culture of acceptance. When they reach out for help, school is one of the first places they turn. That’s why courses like an online masters in mental health counseling are vital to train people who can fill these important in-school roles.
What Counselors Do
Being a school counselor means supporting students in a myriad of ways. They:
- Help with emotional issues like stress, anxiety, and self-esteem
- Guide students dealing with grief or trauma
- Step in during times of crisis
- Collaborate with teachers and parents to help kids thrive
- Help students navigate change, relationships, identity, career and academic choices, and major life events
A counselor listens, provides advice, teaches coping strategies, and encourages positive social and emotional development.
Are There Enough Counselors?
There’s a national shortage of school-based mental health professionals. In many schools, a single counselor can be responsible for hundreds of students, and in some cases, there may not be a counselor at all. This results in overworked and often under-supported counselors, making burnout a serious issue.
How We Can Fill the Gap
More attention is being paid to mental health in schools, which is a good start. Funding is increasing, and new training options are making it easier to qualify, too. For example, flexible programs are helping more people enter the field as those switching careers or returning to education later in life can fit studies around their current work.
With time, schools and colleges should see a flow of well-trained caring professionals rising through the system. It’s about making the route to becoming a mental health counselor more accessible, encouraging people to choose that career, and providing rewarding, desirable work environments for those who do.
Endnote
If we want students to succeed, guidance needs to extend beyond the confines of the classroom. Unfortunately, right now, students nationwide are missing out on the help they need due to a lack of available staff. We need more qualified counselors, greater awareness, and appropriate funding. The demand for more mental health counselors is apparent, so now it’s a matter of meeting it.