Which of the following is not typically a responsibility of the school counselor?

• A. Lead individual sessions and group workshops
• B. Integrate educational and counseling goals to bridge personal success and academic achievement
• C. Participate in academic program planning
• D. Diagnose mental health disorders and provide long-term therapy

Answer: (D)

This item tests the boundary between what school counselors do and what licensed mental health professionals provide. School counselors focus on helping students succeed academically and socially within the school context. They deliver short-term individual and group counseling, lead guidance lessons, support crisis intervention, help with academic planning and career exploration, and collaborate with teachers, families, and administrators to align educational goals with student well-being. They also connect students with outside resources when more intensive help is needed.

Diagnosing mental health disorders and offering long-term therapy, however, fall under the scope of licensed mental health clinicians who have specialized training and credentials. Those professionals conduct formal assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide ongoing therapy. Therefore, the statement about diagnosing mental health disorders and providing long-term therapy is not typical of a school counselor’s responsibilities, even though counselors may refer students to external services when appropriate. The other duties described align with the school counseling role, such as leading sessions, integrating educational and counseling goals, and participating in academic planning.