School Guidance Counsellors and Adolescent Depression.

Abstract

Adolescent depression is a significant problem in New Zealand. Although school guidance counsellors are ideally placed to identify, assess, and treat adolescents, they are rarely included in mental health research. This article discusses findings from research that used qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate school counsellors' understandings of and knowledge about adolescent depression. Data from focus groups were organised into two main categories, "Beliefs and Knowledge" and "Practice." These themes were further investigated in a nationwide questionnaire, concerning aspects such as identification, assessment, safety, referrals, ways of working, and training needs. School counsellors are generally knowledgeable about causes and different presentations of depression, but know less about assessment and referrals. Most work in an eclectic manner, with the therapeutic relationship being the basis of counselling. This study will be useful to school counsellors as well as others who work with adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of New Zealand Journal of Counselling is the property of New Zealand Association of Counsellors and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)