Counseling log template
A counseling session log with student, date, concern, what was discussed, plan and follow-up.
- 🇺🇸 US format · Letter size
- Free
Fill in what you need. The preview updates as you type.
What you type is not saved on our server.
Record the minimum, and follow your reporting duties
Session notes are education records under FERPA once they are shared or filed, so write what is needed for the plan and nothing more. No SSNs, no phone numbers, and health or family details only as far as the plan requires. Suspected abuse or neglect goes through your state's mandated reporting process, not just this log.
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Counseling Log
| Student | Jordan Lee | Grade | Grade 8, homeroom 204 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counselor | Taylor Kim, school counselor | Date and time | October 7, 2026, 2:15 to 2:50 pm |
| Type of contact | ■ In person □ Phone □ Video □ Email | ||
| Concern | ■ Academic □ Behavior □ Peer or social □ Family □ Attendance ■ College or career □ Other | ||
| Discussion | Student came in at the teacher's suggestion after missing two math assignments. Says the work is not hard but there is a lot going on at home in the evenings and no quiet place to work. Talked through the after-school homework room (Tuesday and Thursday until 4:30). Student is interested but needs a ride home; will ask about the late bus. Student also asked about the career exploration unit; wants to look at electives for ninth grade. | ||
| Plan | 1. Student will try the homework room this Thursday 2. Counselor to confirm late bus eligibility with the office by Friday 3. Share the ninth grade elective list at the next meeting | ||
| Follow-up date | October 21, 2026 | Parent contacted | □ No ■ Yes □ Not needed |
Confidential student record. Shared only as permitted by FERPA and district policy. October 7, 2026 Counselor signature: Taylor Kim | |||
How to use it
Fill it in right after the session while the details are fresh. Pick the type of contact and the concern, then write the discussion as what the student said and what you covered, in plain facts. The plan goes in one step per line with who does what by when, and the follow-up date keeps the next check-in on the calendar.
The sign-off boxes are off by default because most session notes are not approved by anyone. Turn them on for a note that a supervisor or a student support team reviews.
Things to watch
Write for the file, not for yourself: a parent or another school may read it later. Keep opinions out, keep identifiers to the student name or ID, and store the printed page or PDF the way your district stores other student records.
Calculators that go with this
Frequently asked questions
Are counselor notes confidential?
Personal notes kept by the counselor alone and never shared are usually outside FERPA. Once a note is filed or shared with staff, it becomes part of the education record and parents can request it. Write every note as if it will be read.
Can I pick more than one concern?
Yes. Check as many as apply; all of them show as filled boxes on the printed line.
How many sign-off boxes do I need?
Match your company's approval chain. A small team often uses one box for the manager. Larger companies add Reviewed by and Approved by. Pick None if approvals happen by email and you only need the body of the form.
Is what I type saved anywhere?
No. Everything stays in your browser and nothing is sent to our server. If you refresh the page it is gone, so print, save a PDF or download the DOCX when you are done.