Guidance & Counseling

The philosophy of the Guidance Department is to assist students to maximize their personal, spiritual and intellectual growth. In order to accomplish these objectives, the Department provides the following services on an on-going basis:

Personal Counseling Services

All counselors provide the following services:

• Individual or group counseling, upon request or as needed, to address problems of a personal or specific nature.
  
• Parent conferences and referral resources.
  
• Specialized support groups, such as grief groups, as the need arises.
  
• Information for students on topics related to mental health.
  
• Crisis intervention counseling.
  
• Drug and alcohol information, and counseling for students and parents.
  
• Resource for parents with questions about adolescent development issues.
  
• Psychological diagnosis by Consultant Psychologist, Dr. Steven Karr.

Academic Counseling Services

Counselors monitor the academic progress of students and provide information on:

• Courses at Archbishop Riordan.
  
• Graduation requirements for Archbishop Riordan High School.
  
• PSAT tests and results (Juniors).
  
• PLAN tests and results (Sophomores).
  
• SAT Tests and results.
  
• STS achievement tests (Freshmen)
  
• Summer school and night school programs, accelerated or special talent programs for students.
  
• Tutorial services in the community and school peer tutoring.
  
• General academic counseling.
  
• Educational diagnosis by certified counselor

College/Career Counseling Services

Counselors involved in the college, career, and scholarship activities coordinate the following information:

• Career Day
  
• College and career requirements and programs through the use of a catalog computer/videotape.
  
• Campus visits by representatives from colleges, universities, military academies, and trade/technical schools.
  
• Scholarships and financial aid.
  
• Parent support groups when needed.
  
• Standardized testing such as PLAN, PSAT, SAT I, SAT II, and ACT.
  
• Workshops to help prepare students for standardized testing.
  
• College night for junior parents.
  
• Financial night for senior parents.
  
• Junior application workshops for college admissions – Case Studies Evening.
  
• Career Shadow Program.
  
• College/Career/SAT Prep class for juniors
  
• College information night for senior parents

Other Support Services

The Guidance Department offers two specific support programs, one for students and one for parent/guardian.

• Peer Counseling: Teaching students how to deal with conflicts and how to be active in the mediation process.
  
• Parent Support Services: Presentations, classes, discussions and support groups for parents and guardians in developing communications and relationships with their teens (Evening Program).
  
• Resource Specialist Program (R. S. P.) for students with documented disabilities
  
• Teen Screen – Screening program for freshmen for early identification of mental health problems and suicide risk in adolescents
  

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