Counseling Professionals’ Perceptions on the Demand for School-Based Counseling in Public Schools: Addressing the Mental and Behavioral Health Challenges of At-Risk Youth, Including Gang-Involved Youth

The objective of this qualitative descriptive research study was to deeply explore the perceptions of school-based counseling professionals, specifically within the St. Lucie Public Schools (Florida), and their role in addressing the mental and behavioral health needs of at-risk youth, including gang-involved youth. This includes middle and high school counseling professionals, Mental Health Counselors, and Social Workers, each playing a critical role in supporting this vulnerable population. The study sought to gather rich and nuanced insights into how these professionals view their capabilities to effectively aid at-risk youth, including those entangled in gang involvement, utilizing the resources and established therapeutic modalities at their disposal. It aimed to illuminate the challenges they encounter in this demanding field, the strategies they employ to overcome these obstacles, and the specific resources they depend on to provide meaningful support to these youth. Guided by the social support theory, which emphasizes the significance of strong relational networks and the interactions that occur within these connections (Kort-Butler, 2017). This research posits that individuals with robust social support will likely experience fewer physical and mental health problems than those with weaker social support systems (Kort-Butler, 2017; Wiley-Blackwell, 2018). The theoretical framework of this qualitative descriptive study centered on various school-based counseling resources from the perspective of mental and behavioral health professionals who actively facilitate and administer these essential services to identified middle and high school at-risk youth, including gang-involved youth, in an academic setting. Data collection involved thematic analysis of participants’ semi-structured interviews, supplemented by triangulation with survey data to understand their experiences comprehensively. Participants articulated their methodologies in utilizing school-based counseling to address the intricate mental and behavioral health challenges faced by at-risk youth, including gang-involved youth. The study's overarching findings indicate that school-based counseling professionals perceive the necessity of providing counseling in public schools to effectively address the mental and behavioral health challenges faced by at-risk youth, including those involved in gangs. They view this need as critical to the overall health and safety of the students and the educational environments in which they operate. The counseling professionals within the St. Lucie Public School District (Florida) – specifically Mental Health Counselors and Social Workers – characterize their roles as protective factors in the lives of the youth they assist. Despite facing challenges such as negative attitudes, non-compliant behaviors, mental and behavioral health disorders, external risk factors, and personal limitations regarding time, space, and resources, they remain dedicated