Counselor Survey Findings: Challenges that Impact Student Success

Today, YouScience, released a new industry report based on survey data of 300+ counselors that reveals significant challenges, including: growing caseloads, rising mental health demands, and administrative burdens that limit counselors’ ability to provide personalized guidance. 

Key Findings:

Time Scarcity:

• 89% of middle school and 86% of high school counselors surveyed struggle to provide personalized student guidance, but understand the importance of doing so 
• 91% expressed the desire for an aptitude assessment to provide essential personalized support 

Heavy Caseloads: 

• +56% of counselors manage caseloads of 300-400 students – well above ASCA’s recommended ratio of 250:1

Mental Health Demands

• 73% share that mental health support is a major part of their job, but feel underprepared to handle the growing complexity of student mental health needs

Administrative Burdens:

• 54% noted that compliance-related administrative tasks consume a significant portion of their workday, taking time away from direct student interaction

The findings underscore the urgent need for better tools and resources to help counselors support students more effectively. 

Link to the complete survey results: https://tracking.us.nylas.com/l/7835d31a6a6241f79fe71b4b6c8dd8d4/0/945c8007d8efa7c95253ffeba7d8fb3f37956e7d6646c70d053f57bd6e31058e?cache_buster=1742307269