In which circumstance would it be more appropriate for a school counselor to initiate individual counseling rather than refer to another agency?

Initiating individual counseling may be more appropriate in the situation where a student is having difficulty managing his school workload. This type of challenge typically pertains to academic pressures and organizational skills, which are directly within the scope of a school counselor’s training and role. Counselors can provide strategies for time management, study skills, and academic coping mechanisms that help the student navigate their workload effectively.

In contrast, extreme behavioral issues might require specialized intervention not typically provided within standard school counseling practices; hence, referral to another agency could be more suitable. A psychological evaluation is a clinical task that requires specialized training beyond what school counselors may offer, representing another instance where referral may be necessary. Finally, students who have experienced a recent traumatic event may also benefit from specialized trauma-focused therapies, which could be better handled by mental health professionals outside of the school setting.