Want to become a school counselor?

 

The FGCU School Counseling Graduate Program is aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Program Preparation Standards. The FGCU program is aligned with the ASCA recommended curriculum. 

Start your application by visiting https://www.fgcu.edu/admissionsandaid/graduateadmissions/

▶ You can download the recommendation form template here.

▶ Download an entry requirements checklist here.

▶ Download the School Counseling Plan of Study here.

Become a school counselor! #DifferenceMaker

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The admissions portal is now open for the Fall 2023 College of Education School Counseling cohort! Now is an amazing time to become a school counselor because there is currently a critical shortage of school counselors throughout the country, especially here in SW Florida. Our students are being offered jobs before they even graduate. More good news… we have eliminated the admissions test requirement (GRE or MAT) for anyone with a 3.0 or higher GPA in the last 60 credits of their bachelor’s degree. Also, the General Knowledge Test is no longer required to be admitted. Once open, you can start the process online at https://www.fgcu.edu/admissionsandaid/graduateadmissions/ ▶ You can download the recommendation form template here. ▶ Download an entry requirements checklist here. ▶ Download the School Counseling Plan of Study here. Fun Facts about the School Counseling Program  The program is completed in two years (including a summer semester). All course work is virtual (i.e., we meet live or synchronously, at the same time, over Zoom) and is taught in the evening, so you don’t have to quit your day job. The FGCU School Counseling Program meets the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies and the ASCA Standards for School Counselor Preparation Programs. The program is approved by the Florida Department of Education, which means you can be certified when you graduate. If you have any questions, please email: Your Last Name Begins With Advisor Email A-L Dr. Ann Tilman atilman@fgcu.edu M-Z Dr. Russ Sabella rsabella@fgcu.edu Go Eagles!

Promotion of 988 by School Health Partners

 

 

 

Promotion of 988 by School Health Partners Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was created to spread awareness of struggles that racial and ethnic minorities are faced with regarding mental illness. Access to treatment is one of the biggest challenges faced by those looking for mental health supports. The Treatment Advocacy Center found that up to 50% of people killed by police were in the middle of a mental health crisis, with black people being three times more likely to be killed. Health advocates argue 911 was not designed for health crises, and can be detrimental to minorities. On July 16, ‘9-8-8’ went live nationally. 9-8-8 is a hotline to expand and strengthen the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (also known as ‘the Lifeline’). It is a country-wide crisis center, established to improve access to crisis services, rather than just Emergency Medical Services (or 911).  School educators and health partners can spread this number through resources or promotions around the school. 9-8-8 connects people of all ages to counselors who are experienced on behavioral health, mental health, substance use topics, crisis intervention, mental health referrals and suicide prevention- it is also confidential, free and multi-lingual. Having this information to educate and refer children is essential for all children, but especially for minority children who may be experiencing any of these issues or concerns. Below are more resources that can be provided to educate school staff and health partners.

 

 

National Resources

 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline The Lifeline’s network of over 200 crisis centers has been in operation since 2005, and has been proven to be effective. It’s the counselors at these local crisis centers who answer the contacts the Lifeline receives every day. Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor. This provides an overview of what is involved in 9-8-8 and how to get involved. Learn More

 

Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) 9-8-8 Implementation Resources These resources can help state, tribal, and territorial organizations and their partners implement the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. They include implementation tools, guidance on messaging about 988, and recommendations for establishing crisis services infrastructure. Learn More

 

988 Partner Toolkit This toolkit from SAMHSA recognizes the need for governments, states, territories, tribes, crisis centers, and partners to speak with one voice to ensure there is a clear understanding about what 988 is and how it will work. They encourage you to use these communication outreach materials and build upon them with your community coalitions to meet the needs of your specific audiences. Learn More

Rainbow Trails for children experiencing loss of a loved one

 

Now hiring: Afterschool & Mentoring Programs

 

Job Position: Kinship Search Specialist

 

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Volunteer and Job Opportunities

988 centers are looking for empathetic volunteers, employees, and interns to serve as crisis counselors answering phone, chats and texts, as well as managers with advanced degrees.

On July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) will transition to an easy-to-remember, 3-digit number (988). This represents an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen and expand the existing network of over 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country.

In advance of the 988 transition in July, the Lifeline Suicide & Crisis Network is looking to bring on new volunteers and paid employees to answer calls, chats, and texts from people in crisis. 

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/jobs

Need Support Now?

If you need suicide or mental health-related crisis support, or are worried about someone else, please call or text 1-800-273-8255 or visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor.