Anxiety and low mood
Worry, withdrawal, depression, or changes in motivation.
Student Referrals
Helping Schools Connect Students With Therapy
When a student's anxiety, mood, attention, attendance, behavior, family stress, or other mental-health needs extend beyond what school supports can reasonably address, Karos Counseling offers a straightforward pathway for families to explore outpatient therapy.
A referral starts a conversation
A school professional can share information or ask a general referral question. The parent, guardian, or eligible client decides whether to schedule a consultation and pursue care.
Who may be a good fit?
Outpatient therapy may be worth exploring when a student's needs extend beyond available school-based supports.
ADHD and executive functioning
Attention, planning, organization, task initiation, or follow-through.
Attendance and school avoidance
Difficulty attending, returning, or managing school-related stress.
Emotional regulation and conflict
Escalation, shutdowns, family conflict, or difficulty recovering.
Intrusive thoughts and social stress
OCD-related concerns, peer stress, identity-related stress, or isolation.
Performance and life transitions
Athlete pressure, injury recovery, family changes, or major transitions.
How the referral process works
1
Identify
A school professional or family recognizes that outside therapy may be useful.
2
Connect
The school shares Karos Counseling information with the family, or contacts Karos Counseling with a general question.
3
Consult
The parent, guardian, or eligible client schedules a free 15-minute consultation.
4
Review access
Insurance, private-pay, sliding-scale, location, telehealth, and scheduling options are reviewed.
5
Intake
If the service appears appropriate and the family wants to proceed, an intake is scheduled.
6
Coordinate
With appropriate authorization, Karos Counseling can coordinate with school staff and other providers when clinically useful.
Insurance and Access
Eligible commercial insurance plans may be accepted. Medicaid options may be available depending on state. Private pay is available, and sliding-scale options may be available based on circumstances and availability. Specific plan and network participation should be verified before services begin.
View Current Insurance OptionsWays students may access therapy
- Telehealth outpatient therapy.
- School-based sessions where an arrangement with the school or district is available.
- Other current outpatient options based on location and circumstances.
School-based sessions are not available at every district and should be discussed during consultation.
What schools should know
- A referral does not obligate a family to start therapy.
- A free consultation helps determine whether Karos Counseling may be a good fit.
- Therapy remains confidential within applicable legal and ethical requirements.
- School communication or care coordination occurs with appropriate authorization.
- Schools do not need to send extensive confidential records simply to share referral information.
- If Karos Counseling is not the right fit, other referral options may be discussed when possible.
Working With the Student's Support Team
With appropriate authorization, coordination may include school counselors, social workers, psychologists, pediatricians, medication providers, IOP/PHP or other higher-level-care programs, and other treating professionals.
Possible goals include continuity of care, school re-entry after higher levels of care, consistent support around attendance and functioning, and sharing clinically relevant recommendations within consent limits.
A different referral can still be a useful next step
A referral should still help a family move forward, even when Karos Counseling is not the best match. When possible, Karos Counseling can help identify other therapy options or point the family toward a provider who may better fit the need, location, insurance, or treatment specialty.
This page is for outpatient therapy referrals, not emergency or crisis response. Karos Counseling does not provide emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Referral Questions
Can a school make the appointment?
A school can share referral information or ask general questions. The parent, guardian, or eligible client schedules the consultation and completes the intake process.
Does Karos Counseling accept insurance?
Eligible commercial insurance and Medicaid plans may be accepted depending on the client's state and specific plan. View current Rates & Insurance information.
Can therapy happen during the school day?
Telehealth and other outpatient options depend on location, circumstances, scheduling, and any school or district arrangement that may be available.
Can Karos Counseling communicate with the school?
With appropriate authorization, communication and care coordination may occur with relevant school staff and other treating professionals.
What if Karos Counseling is not the right fit?
When possible, other options may be discussed based on the family's need, location, insurance, or treatment specialty.
Do parents participate in therapy?
The role of parents or guardians depends on the student's age, needs, consent, and the clinical circumstances. This can be discussed during consultation.
Ready to Help a Student Take the Next Step?
Share this page with a family, ask a referral question, or schedule a free consultation.
Looking for broader school consultation, groups, or partnership services? Explore School Services.
Explore teen therapy or support for parents who are worried about their teen.