Perspectives of Counselors on the Mental Health Needs of Intermediate Level Public School Children: Implications for a Preventive Mental Health Program

Abstract This paper explored the mental health concerns of intermediate level public school children (Grades 4-6) from the perspectives of the school guidance counselors. The objective of this research was to know and understand the issues of the students in the public schools, as it will have an impact on the development of a preventive mental health program for this target group. The perspectives of the guidance counselors were deemed as very important because they are the ones who directly deal and help with the non-academic concerns of students in the school setting. In the conduct of this study, the following were utilized: focused group discussion with counselors/guidance teachers; data from two school divisions in Metro Manila on the concerns of Grades 4-6 students for school year 2013-2014; and a devised needs assessment questionnaire for guidance counselors that quantitatively measured their perception of the frequency and severity of the students’ mental health concerns. Findings showed that from the perspectives of the guidance counselors, bullying was the most frequent mental health concern reported by Grades 4-6 students. On the other hand, absenteeism and family problems had deeper and more negative effects on the students. In order to have a more holistic and grounded mental health program for intermediate level students, it was recommended to also conduct a needs assessment for Grades 4-6 students and their parents because these two groups are important stakeholders in the development of the mental health program. Interventions that will be provided must also involve not only the children but the parents, guidance counselors, and teachers as well