Pasadena ISD: Counseling Services and Parent Notification

In accordance with Senate Bill 12 passed by the 89th Texas Legislature, Pasadena Independent School District is committed to keeping families informed about the mental health-related services available to students. This legislation ensures that parents and guardians are aware of the support systems in place and understand their rights regarding their child’s participation.

School Counselor Responsibilities

Pasadena ISD school counselors follow the Texas Education Code (§33.005 and §33.006) and implement a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs. These programs are designed to support students in four key areas:

• Guidance Curriculum: Promoting knowledge and skills for academic, career, personal, and social development.
• Responsive Services: Addressing immediate student concerns, including crisis response and short-term counseling.
• Individual Planning: Helping students set and achieve personal goals.
• System Support: Collaborating with staff, families, and the community to enhance student success.

Key Duties of School Counselors

School counselors play a vital role in student development and well-being. Their responsibilities include:

• Supporting students at risk of academic failure, substance abuse, gang involvement, or emotional distress.
• Identifying and supporting gifted and talented students, especially those from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Consulting with parents, teachers, and community members to improve educational outcomes.
• Coordinating resources across school, home, and community environments.
• Advising students and families on postsecondary planning and financial aid.
• Promoting emotional intelligence, healthy relationships, and responsible decision-making.
• Contributing to a safe and supportive school climate through early mental health intervention and prevention.

What School Counselors Do

• Encourage students to communicate openly with their parents or guardians.
• Help facilitate conversations between students and their families.
• Notify parents of any safety or health-related concerns.

What School Counseling Does Not Include

• Long-term mental health therapy.
• Support for social transitioning.

Legal Exceptions to Opt-Out

Certain services and actions are mandated by law and are not subject to parental opt-out. These include:

• Emergency responses by the school district.
• Investigations or actions by law enforcement or the Department of Family and Protective Services.
• Behavioral threat assessments required by law.
• Other legal obligations, including those outlined in the Texas Family Code.

PARENTAL/GUARDIAN OPT-OUT OPTION

Parental consent is presumed; however, annual notification of the option to opt-out is required. Parents or guardians may revoke or reinstate their decision at any time by submitting a signed written notice. To initiate the opt-out process for SB12 counseling services, please contact your child’s school counselor.

The following are mental health-related services that a parent/guardian would potentially be opting out of, should they choose to do so.  Please note that opting out may have a negative impact on students who are struggling emotionally.

SERVICES RELATED TO OPT-OUT REQUEST: (All other services above will continue as part of the child’s educational plan).

• Psychological or psychiatric examination or testing utilizing a method designed to elicit: Attitude, habit, trait, opinion, belief, feeling, mental disorder or a condition thought to lead to a mental disorder. 
• Methods that would be considered:  Surveys, check-ins, screening, assessment embedded in academic lessons

School counselors routinely utilize the Suicide Risk Screening Tool as part of the district’s standard protocol when delivering counseling services to students identified as being at risk of self-harm.