Each Division has a school counselor, a trained mental health professional, who understands and responds to the needs presented by today’s diverse student population. School counselors align and work with the school’s mission to empower all students to lead lives of impact by partnering with our students, faculty, families, and community. Faculty and administrators look to the counselors for their expertise in social and emotional developmental factors that impact students' learning and functioning in the school setting.

Our School Counselors provide developmentally appropriate counseling services. Counselors meet regularly with faculty and staff to stay informed and provide information and assistance as needed. Students may be referred by teachers, parents, or self.

Services provided: 

• Short-term counseling and crisis intervention for individual students

• Advocacy for students and families

• Referrals to outside resources

• Confidential coordination between outside resources and the school

• Group support and guidance to outside resources

• Counseling programming and educationpproach

• Guidance and consultation with parents, faculty, and staff regarding issues of behavior, emotions, and mental health

Members of the WCS Counseling Department reserve the right to have initial student contact from the implied consent indicated by the student’s enrollment at WCS. The counselor will make a determination based on her/his professional knowledge and judgment whether additional service is appropriate, as well as if, when, and how parent notification is fitting (i.e. in the child’s best interest).

Policy When a Student Has Expressed Suicidal Ideation

When a student expresses thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, or suicide, and is in crisis, division counselors will notify parents/guardians. Based on outcomes of initial screening and assessment, parents/guardians may be required to pick up the student and seek an evaluation from a licensed Psychologist or licensed mental health professional or it may be appropriate to call Comcare Crisis Center (316) 660-7500 to make a referral for the student to be screened and evaluated immediately. 

It is our concern and care for each student’s well-being that a mental health professional evaluates the current needs of the child to determine whether or not it is appropriate to seek additional crisis intervention or counseling services. The school requires written documentation from the evaluating mental health professional be provided to the Division School Counselor indicating that the student is recommended to return to school.