Adolescence is a time of great physical, intellectual and emotional challenges. In addition, our students are in a highly demanding academic environment, and most of them are learning to live without the direct supervision and care of their parents. Not surprisingly, there are lots of reasons why a student might want to talk to a counselor. Problems range from the myriad adjustment issues associated with coming to boarding school (e.g. homesickness, roommate difficulties etc) to more serious ones that we know an increasing number of adolescents in our society are experiencing (e.g. depression, eating disorders etc.). The good news is that students who work with a counselor do better coping with whatever stresses or problems they are facing.

How long does it take to schedule an appointment at the counseling center?

Students are seen immediately, when necessary. Ordinarily, we schedule appointments for times that students do not have classes or other commitments.

Is any information given to a student’s health insurance company if he/she sees a counselor?

Because we do not bill for our services, no information is ever given out about a student to anyone or to any organization without written authorization from the student and his/her parents.

Are parents contacted when a student comes to the counseling center?

While we encourage students to inform their parents of their decision to see a counselor, we do not automatically contact parents. Some students may be initially hesitant to speak to their parents about their concerns. It is our experience that most students do inform their parents. In case of a significant emotional problem or if a student presents any safety risk, parents are always contacted.

Are students ever required to see a counselor?

On rare occasions, when there’s a concern about a student’s health and safety, students may be required to see a counselor.

What are house counselors, deans and teachers told when a student comes to the counseling center?

All counselors are bound both ethically and legally to maintain the confidentiality of students seen in a counseling relationship. In instances where a student’s house counselor and teachers might need some information in order to work effectively with and to support the student, the counselor will discuss with the student what information might be passed on and receive his/her permission before speaking to anyone. However, from both an ethical and legal standpoint, confidentially must be waived in those rare instances when a student’s health and safety is endangered.

Is there anything put in a student’s record when he/she sees a counselor?

All counseling records are confidential and do not become a part of the student’s permanent record. Nothing is noted or put in a student’s school record indicating that he/she had been seen at the counseling center. In accordance with Massachusetts state guidelines, all counseling records are destroyed 10 years after a student graduates.

Does seeing a counselor put a student a risk for being placed on a required leave of absence?

While students and parents do request leaves of absences when a student’s emotional and psychological issues significantly interfere with a students well being and ability to meet the academic and residential demands of the school, it is only under rare circumstances that a student is required to take a leave of absence. Many students work with their counselors with highly troubling issues and are able cope with all the many demands of Phillips Academy. In those rare instances where a student’s health and safety is at risk and or they are unable to meet the minimal requirements of being a student at Phillips Academy, the Student Response Team (composed of the Dean of Students, Dean of Studies, School Physician and Director of Graham House Counseling Center) will determine whether a leave is necessary.

What if a student needs to be seen by a psychiatrist?

Our consulting child and adolescent psychiatrists come on campus approximately every other week to see our students. Normally, appointments are scheduled by one of the counselors. Parents are always contacted and need to provide permission prior to the psychiatrist seeing their child. Parents are billed directly by the psychiatrist.

How many students come to the Graham House Counseling Center?

Almost 200 students a year come to the counseling center. Although students are allowed unlimited visits, most come for fewer than 5 visits. It is up to the student (with the advice of their counselor) to decide the number of visits and their frequency.