Parents understanding of mental health, the role of a school counsellor/psychologist, and likelihood to follow up on external referral

School counsellors and psychologists often screen, assess, and refer students to external services for ongoing mental health treatment. 

For those students who are referred, parents, and those in parent-like roles, play a vital role in facilitating access to treatment. 

Anecdotal barriers for parents not following up referrals include a lack of recognition of mental illness and a lack of understanding of the role of a school counsellor/psychologist. 

Monica Bignold will share her exploratory research on parental mental health literacy, preferred views of school counsellor roles, and intention to follow up referrals.
In this presentation, practical implications of this research will be discussed. Monica is a clinical psychologist who has worked as a school psychologist for 9 years in independent and catholic settings.