TRANSFORMING SCHOOL COUNSELING TO SERVE THE MENTAL-HEALTH NEEDS OF AT-RISK YOUTH

School counselors have an important part to play in helping schools re spond to the increasing number of students whose mental health needs p lace them at risk for School failure. This article identifies the shor tcomings of the current developmental guidance and counseling service delivery model as it relates to work with at-risk youth, in addition, a transformed model is proposed, with suggestions for changes in progr am organization and planning, school counselor role and function, and skills and expertise. Potential barriers to change are also identified .