US School Counselors Struggle Under Heavy Workloads
The 2025 School Counseling Report by US-based career guidance firm YouScience reveals that middle and high school counselors are overwhelmed by excessive workloads. The report is based on surveys conducted with over 300 counselors from public and private schools across the United States.
According to the findings, 89% of counselors recognize the importance of providing individualized guidance to students, but report that time constraints prevent them from doing so effectively. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recommends a maximum caseload of 250 students per counselor; however, 56% of respondents stated they are responsible for between 300 and 400 students.
As a result, counselors are often forced to prioritize crisis management over academic and career planning. Additionally, 73% of participants said they feel unprepared to handle the increasing mental health needs of students and expressed a need for more training in this area.
The report also found that 54% of counselors spend a significant portion of their workday on administrative duties and compliance-related tasks, limiting their ability to engage directly with students.
To improve student outcomes, the report offers three key recommendations: implementing digital platforms for career exploration and aptitude assessments, investing in automated scheduling systems, and increasing mental health training and support for counselors.
YouScience CEO Edson Barton stated, “Equipping counselors with the right tools helps every student discover their strengths and plan their future more effectively.”
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