Counseling and Student Support Services

College Counseling

Students and families begin working during the spring semester of the junior year with their college counselor on the formalized college counseling process.  The College Kickoff officially “kicks off” this profess, as students are invited to attend this event to learn about the timelines that lie ahead.  The College Counselor beings to work with the junior students through group/class meetings, individual appointments, and various events held throughout the spring.  Students begin to complete a list of possible college choices, and are encouraged to continue the college search process throughout the summer.  College counseling for seniors is an extensive program of small-group meetings, as well as guidance through the process of applications and college essays.  Student/parent/guardian(s) evening informational programs are also offered—-covering various topics related to the application process and financial aid.  One of the most challenging yet rewarding tasks for the College Counselor is completing a strong letter of recommendation for each student.  Admissions officers visit Hunter throughout the fall to talk with interested students.  Such visits enable students to learn firsthand about the colleges they may be considering.  College admissions officers also meet directly with members of the department to learn more about the curriculum and the preparation students receive at HCHS.

Academic Advising

Academic Advising is offered by the counselor who offers insights into course selection and extracurricular activities, offers tips on time management and study skills.

Personal Counseling

Personal counseling is available with the counselor who meets directly with students to help identify problems and work through them.  The counselor assists teachers, administration and outside resources in addressing academic, personal, behavioral and emotional concerns.  These services include:

1. Serving as an advocate for students
2. Listening to students and assessing their needs/developing realistic interventions
3. Helping student set goals
4. Aiding students in gaining insight into their learning style and to assess their overall needs
5. Assisting students with transition issues and adjustment to school
6. Providing educational information and programs for parent(s)/guardian(s) and faculty.

Social Work and Psychological Services

Balancing the demands of Hunter College High School and personal life can be challenging; The Hunter College H.S. Counseling Services has a social worker and clinical psychology fellow here to help students handle this stress and pressure successfully and constructively. At times, just talking can make a difference; while other times, more intervention is needed. We strive to help our students manage the demands of life through confidential and individualized services. Our licensed social worker can assist students in overcoming personal, academic, and/or crisis situations that could negatively impact their progress and success at Hunter College High School.

Some examples of what these services can help students with:

1. Conflict with parents
2. Grief of a loved one
3. Personal or family crisis
4. Emotional distress
5. Feelings of inadequacy/loneliness
6. Feeling depressed or anxious
7. Sexual identity/orientation
8. Sexual harassment/assault
9. Traumatic experiences
10. Substance abuse

Drug and Alcohol Education

Hunter College High School works with the Freedom Institute.  To learn more about this program, please click here

What is the Freedom Institute?

The Freedom Institute is a Manhattan based non-profit providing educational and support services for adults and teens impacted by alcohol and drug dependency.  As part of its commitment to abuse prevention, the Freedom Institute provides quality education curricula to Hunter College High School and other New York City schools.  The educational program used at Hunter has been specifically tailored to meet the needs of Hunter students.
In past years Freedom Institute classes have received high marks from Hunter College High School students.
More background information on the Freedom Institute is available at http://www.freedominstitute.org .

Student Sessions by Grade

The content of each session is structured by grade level to provide the most useful, engaging and appropriate information for each class.  Students receive tools they can use when confronted with issues arising around the use of alcohol and other drugs.

8th grade Student Sessions
9th grade Student Sessions
10th grade Student Sessions
11th grade Student Sessions
12th grade Student Sessions
Behavioral Warning Signs

8th grade

Two sessions
Peer influence continues to be of major importance to eighth graders.  In these sessions, social and refusal skills are presented in an interactive and engaging format.  Students also start to explore healthy coping skills.
Substance focus for the year is placed on the use of alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes.
Sample topics:
1. What are the social dynamics and peer influences in your grade?
2. What is self-medication?  How does it relate to substance use?

9th grade

Two sessions
A part of almost every ninth grader’s experience is an exploration of the question, What is normal?  In these sessions, trained counselors guide students in examining their perceptions of alcohol and substance use in high school.  Some of their perceptions are challenged as participants are introduced to principles and methods of decision making.  Finally, the subject of relationships with older students is examined.
Substance focus for the year is placed on alcohol, marijuana and the abuse of prescription drugs.
Sample topics:
1. What are the effects of alcohol poisoning?  How can they be prevented?
2. What is a substance abuse problem?
3. What is the connection between alcohol and marijuana use and unsafe sex?

10th grade

Two sessions
Sexuality becomes more of a focus in the tenth grade.  In these sessions, students are helped prepare to make sound sexual decisions.  Other subjects include a more in depth look at substance abuse including the progression of addiction.
Substance focus for the year is placed on alcohol, marijuana and cocaine.
Sample topics:
1. What are the connections between at-risk sexual practices and the abuse of alcohol and other substances?
2. How do you help a friend with a possible substance problem?
Sample topics:
3. What are the connections between at-risk sexual practices and the abuse of alcohol and other substances?
4. How do you help a friend with a possible substance problem?

11th grade

Two sessions
Juniors are under a high level of stress.  In these sessions, students examine the connection between stress and personal difficulties with substance use.  Time is spent presenting ways manage tension through the use of relaxation techniques.
Substance focus for the year is placed on alcohol, marijuana and cocaine.
Sample topics:
1. What are some of the ways that people self-medicate?
2. What are the connections between underlying anxiety and depression and substance use?

12th grade

Two sessions
Preparing for the world beyond Hunter College High School takes center stage in the two sessions for seniors.  Substances that students may encounter at parties or other schools are discussed in the context of helping them make decisions in advance.  A brief conversation is staged about some of the counseling resources available in college (and how they can help).
Substance focus for the year is placed on alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and designer drugs.
Sample topics:
1. What are the major transition issues for seniors?
2. What are the marks of a healthy relationship?

Behavioral Warning Signs

Your child may be abusing alcohol or other drugs when…

1. A drop in grades - suddenly, or over the past six months or one year
2. Switching friends - a different set of friends, more friends you object to, new friends you haven’t met
3. Emotional highs/lows - easily upset, emotions change rapidly, not as happy as in past
4. Defiance of rules and regulations - pushing limits at home, not doing chores
5. Becoming more secretive - discussing few if any of their personal problems
6. Loss of initiative - less energy, sleeping more than usual
7. Withdrawal from family functions - not present at meals, religious activities, trips
8. Change in physical hygiene - becoming sloppier, hair unkempt, frequently wearing same clothes
9. Not informing you of school activities - parent/teacher conferences, open houses, warnings, suspensions
10. Many excuses for staying out late - not coming home on time or at all, frequent excuses
11. Isolating himself or herself - spending much time in room alone
12. Suspicion of money/alcohol missing - from you (parents), siblings
13. Selling possessions - always seems to have money without job
14. You (parent) feel manipulated or bargained with - parents and teachers played against each other
15. Weight changes - noticeable gain or loss
16. Short tempered - becomes angry often, has short fuse, acts impulsively
17. Legal problems - driving while intoxicated, violating curfew, being at parties which are broken up by the police
18. Defensive - when confronted with behavior or other concerns
19. Problems at school - skipping or sleeping in class, poor performance on or not doing homework
20. Coming to school drunk or high - smelling of marijuana or alcohol, slurred speech, glazed eyes, unusually giddy
21. Abusive behavior - verbally or physically abusive to anyone.

Information provided by Freedom Institute
515 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022, 212-838-0044