Fort Belvoir School Counseling Services

Elementary school counselors are uniquely qualified to address the developmental needs of all students through a comprehensive school counseling program.  By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, school counselors help their students achieve academic success, develop an understanding of career opportunities and develop social/ emotional skills in response to issues they face.  School counselors are passionate about collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment. Elementary school counselors hold a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling.

Individual Counseling: Individual counseling provides students with the opportunity to receive support and build the skills necessary to succeed in school and beyond.  Students are referred for individual counseling by school personnel, families, or self-referral. 

Small Group Counseling: Small groups provide a safe setting where students, along with a few peers, can increase their self-awareness and enhance their social emotional learning through group activities.  Like individual sessions, students are referred for small group counseling by school personnel, families, or self-referral.

SEL Lessons: Classes receive classroom guidance lessons throughout the year.  Topics include growth mindset, resiliency, kindness, conflict resolution, social skills, career exploration and more.

School Psychology Services

School psychologists are mental health specialists with knowledge of child development, the psychology of learning, behavior management and intervention, monitoring the progress of students, and program evaluation. School psychologists apply this knowledge using a problem-solving approach to help bring about positive changes in the learning environment, attitude, and motivation. Services offered by the school psychologist may be provided directly to the student or indirectly by working with teachers, parents, and other caregivers; however, all services provided by the school psychologist are intended to enhance the academic and social-emotional success of students. Minimum requirements to be a school psychologist include a 60-hour master's degree program and a one-year full-time internship; many FCPS school psychologists hold doctoral degrees.

Social Work and Support Services

School social workers focus on family and community factors that influence learning. They provide intensive services for students facing issues that pose risks to their academic success such as parent divorce and separation, poverty, truancy, chronic illness, mental health problems, conduct problems, child abuse, etc.

All FCPS social workers hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Social Science (MSS) degree; many have earned a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) degree. All school social workers are licensed by the Virginia Department of Education. The majority of the staff is clinically licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Social Work (LCSW) or in other jurisdictions and trained to provide mental health services in any setting.