Which describes the counselor's role in addressing teen pregnancy, substance use, or other health risk behaviors in a school setting?

• A. Implement disciplinary probation for students
• B. Provide education, risk assessment, brief interventions, referrals, and coordinate with health services
• C. Exclude students from health-related discussions
• D. Publicly disclose student health information to staff

Answer: (B)

The central idea is that a school counselor addresses teen pregnancy, substance use, and other health risk behaviors through a collaborative, supportive approach that includes education, risk assessment, brief interventions, referrals, and coordination with health services. This framework emphasizes prevention and early intervention, helping students understand risks, assess their level of need, receive targeted short counseling, and connect with appropriate medical or behavioral health resources. It also supports ongoing care within the school and community, while protecting student confidentiality and respecting their rights.

Disciplinary probation focuses on punishment and administrative action rather than health-focused counseling, so it doesn’t align with the preventive, collaborative role of a counselor. Excluding students from health discussions shuts them out of essential information and support, and publicly disclosing health information violates confidentiality and can erode trust, making students less likely to seek help.