Student Counselling

The St Joseph’s College Counselling Department consists of three psychologists. The College Psychologists apply their psychological and educational expertise to support students to achieve academic success, psychological health, and social and emotional wellbeing. To achieve these outcomes, the activities that the College Psychologist engage in are diverse and include counselling, consultation, assessment, implementation of prevention and intervention programs, referral processes, evaluation and the support of critical incidents.

The Counselling Department promptly engages students when needed, providing evidence-based psychological interventions and assessment. There is opportunity for the students to engage in one-to-one counselling and participate in proactive evidence-based group interventions. The Psychologists conduct whole year group screening in certain year groups to provide targeted skill building programs to specific year groups and smaller groups. The Psychologists also work with Year 12 prior to exams providing stress management strategies, sleep hygiene information and general wellbeing support. Additionally, the Counselling Department provide professional learning to our staff and parents on mental health, wellbeing and supporting students who may require more tailored care.

Counselling is available during normal school hours and takes place in the counselling rooms in the Teaching & Learning Wing opposite the staffroom. The students can self-refer via email to counselling@joeys.org or visit the counselling rooms in person. Staff referrals can also be made through the student’s Head of Year or Academic Leader. Parents are welcome to contact the Counselling Department directly (via email, phone or in person) and request counselling for their son. Following a referral, an appointment with the student will be seen as soon as possible. The waitlist for an appointment can be up to two weeks depending on the urgency of the referral. When required, the Psychologists can provide assistance with referral to external psychological support services.

If necessary, parents are required to complete the appropriate consent form which is located on the iLearn Wellbeing page. It is the responsibility of the College Psychologist to determine whether a young person is capable of understanding and possesses the ability to give informed consent to receive the services of the College Psychologist. At St Joseph’s College, any student in Year 7 and 8 requires parental consent prior to providing psychological services. However, if there is a concern for the immediate safety or wellbeing of a student, then the College Psychologist must act in the student’s best interest, which may override any need for parental consent. If this is the case, consent will be sought as soon as practically possible.

Parents should also be informed that, where possible, the College Psychologist will endeavour to involve the parents in their son’s psychological interventions, but only with the prior consent of the student. This depends on whether the College Psychologist has first ascertained whether the student has the maturity and ability to give informed consent before engaging their psychological services.

All counselling sessions are confidential, with the only exceptions being if there is a risk of harm to the student or another person, or if a subpoena is served.

For further information please contact counselling@joeys.org.