How to Become a School Counselor in Louisiana

:: 2025 Guide

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: December 10th, 2024

School Counselors: The Unsung Heroes of Louisiana’s Education System

Why School Counselors Matter

School counselors are often overlooked, yet they play a pivotal role in the educational landscape. They are the quiet architects of student success, guiding young minds through the complexities of adolescence. In Louisiana, the importance of school counselors has never been more evident.

The Growing Need for Mental Health Support

Recent news reports have highlighted the alarming rise in mental health issues among Louisiana’s youth. For example, the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2022 KIDS COUNT Data Book found that 10.1% of Louisiana children ages 3-17 had been diagnosed with depression or anxiety.This trend is mirrored in national studies, underscoring the urgent need for mental health support in schools.

The Role of School Counselors

School counselors wear many hats. They are:

  • Academic Advisors: Helping students select appropriate courses, develop study skills, and explore post-secondary options.
  • Career Counselors: Assisting students in identifying career interests, exploring job opportunities, and preparing for the workforce.
  • Social-Emotional Learning Facilitators: Teaching students essential life skills, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
  • Mental Health Providers: Offering individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and referrals to specialized mental health services.

Why Become a School Counselor in Louisiana?

If you’re passionate about helping young people and making a tangible difference in their lives, a career in school counseling is a rewarding choice. As a school counselor in Louisiana, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Work with Diverse Student Populations: Engage with students from various backgrounds and cultures, fostering empathy and understanding.
  • Make a Positive Impact on the Community: Contribute to the overall well-being of your school community by promoting positive mental health and academic success.
  • Advance Your Career: Pursue advanced degrees and certifications to specialize in areas like school counseling supervision, college counseling, or mental health counseling.
  • Enjoy Job Security: The demand for qualified school counselors continues to grow, ensuring job stability and career advancement opportunities.

Overcoming Challenges

While the rewards of school counseling are immense, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges. School counselors often face heavy caseloads, limited resources, and bureaucratic hurdles.

However, by advocating for their profession, collaborating with colleagues, and prioritizing self-care, school counselors can overcome these obstacles and continue to make a difference.

Louisiana School Counselor Certification (Ancillary Certification)

To make sure school counselors in Louisiana are well-qualified and can effectively help students, we need to certify them. Certification sets high standards for practice, ensuring that counselors have the skills and knowledge to meet the unique needs of Louisiana students.

To become a certified school counselor in Louisiana, you’ll need to:

  1. Earn a Master’s Degree: Get a Master’s degree in School Counseling from a recognized college or university.
  2. Gain Practical Experience: Complete a practicum and internship in school counseling to get hands-on experience.
  3. Pass the Praxis Exam: Successfully pass the counseling-specific Praxis exam.
  4. Stay Updated: Commit to ongoing professional development to keep your skills current and maintain your certification.

By following these steps, school counselors ensure they have the knowledge and skills to best support their students. Here you can find specific instructions to satisfy Ancillary certification requirements for school counselors.