Response Services consists of activities designed to meet the immediate needs and concerns of students. This component is available to all students and is often student-initiated. While counselors have special training and skills to respond to students' specific needs and concerns, the cooperation and support of the entire faculty and staff is necessary for successful implementation of this component.

The Response Services component of the OPS Guidance Program is implemented through such strategies as:

Consultation: Counselors consult with parents, teachers, educators and community agencies regarding the creation and implementation of strategies to assist students. Home visits are an essential part of the counseling program in the elementary schools.

Personal Counseling: Counseling is provided on a small-group or individual basis for students expressing difficulties dealing with relationship, personal concerns, or normal developmental tasks. Personal counseling assists students in identifying problems, causes, alternatives and possible consequences so that appropriate action is taken.

Crisis Counseling: Counseling and support are provided to students and their families facing emergency situations. Such counseling is normally short-term and temporary in nature. When necessary, appropriate referral sources are used.

Referral: Counselors use referral sources to deal with crisis such as suicide, violence, abuse and terminal illness. Referral sources include: School Psychologists, Student Personnel Assistants, Mental Health Agencies, Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Services, and others listed on the Crisis Resource Card all students receive.