ABSTRACT
This chapter offers strategies and information that will assist school counselors in how to assess for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and other co-occurring mental health issues; where and when to make referrals; and how to inform parents regarding the self-injurious behaviors. Strategies for the prevention of NSSI can include educating students about how to assist suicidal or self-injurious friends, as youth are more likely to disclose vulnerable aspects of themselves to close friends than they are to adults. Self-preparatory tasks that are proposed for all counselors include participating in trainings to increase counseling competencies, compiling and revising lists of updated referral resources, and managing work time to ensure availability for unexpected student crises. Sometimes requests are for in-school counseling services; sometimes they are for referrals to community providers; and sometimes they are for student welfare checks, as was the case with Gracie's mother.
