What does ASCA guidance say about therapy duration?

• A. Always provide long-term psychotherapy
• B. Provide brief therapy and refer when longer-term therapy is needed
• C. Do not provide therapy at all
• D. Only provide group therapy

Answer: (B)

ASCA guidance directs school counselors to provide brief, focused counseling within the school setting and to refer students for longer-term therapy when ongoing treatment is needed. This reflects the reality that counselors work with many students and aim to address immediate concerns, build coping skills, and coordinate care with families and external mental health professionals. If longer-term therapy is indicated, the referral ensures the student receives appropriate ongoing treatment while the school continues to support short-term needs. Long-term psychotherapy in the school is not the typical model, and other options that imply no therapy or only group therapy don’t align with how school counseling activities are structured to meet varying student needs.