TRENTON, N.J. – A new law signed Thursday aims to strengthen school counseling services in New Jersey by creating a state school counselor liaison and setting professional standards for counselors as students continue to face mental health challenges.
“Five years later, students are still struggling with the effects of school closures and socialization limits that have negatively impacted their academic performances, social interactions and emotional needs. Families and educators are leaning more on counselors to address those struggles and help students be their best in and out of school,” Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis (R-Union), the bill’s sponsor, said.
School counselors must complete a master’s degree or higher with 48 graduate semester hours in counseling and related studies from an accredited college or university. This bill (S1784/A3424) requires that programs at regionally accredited institutions incorporate national- or state-recognized counseling models into that training.
Counseling has evolved from helping students navigate academic and post-secondary-school choices to dealing with mental health issues such a depression and anxiety, which can lead to self-harm, including suicide. The proposal to create a state school counselor liaison will see that person coordinating with local school counselors to implement mental health services in schools, such as suicide prevention, crisis-intervention, trauma-informed counseling practices, and cultural competency and responsiveness.
“It’s vital that school counselors ensure that these needs are adequately addressed, and programs are implemented that provide support while promoting a positive school climate,” Matsikoudis added.
