ChatGPT for School Counselors: 35 Prompts to Cut Your Caseload Stress

Write a brief counseling session note for a [grade level] student who presented with [presenting concern]. The session focused on [intervention used, e.g., CBT techniques, solution-focused questioning]. Include an objective summary, key themes discussed, student response, and next steps. Keep the tone professional and appropriate for a school setting.

Draft a group counseling session summary for a [group type, e.g., grief support, social skills] group of [number] students in grades [range]. Topics covered included [topics]. Note general group dynamics and participation without identifying individual students.

Write a counseling session note using the SOAP format (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) for a student presenting with [concern, e.g., social withdrawal, academic anxiety]. The session lasted [duration] and used [approach].

Create a template for documenting a check-in session with a student on a [504 plan / counseling caseload / behavior support plan]. Include fields for mood rating, goal progress, barriers identified, and next session focus.

Draft a progress summary for a student who has been receiving individual counseling for [timeframe] around [issue]. Include observable changes, current strengths, ongoing challenges, and updated recommendations.

Write a closing summary note for a student being transitioned off the counseling caseload after [number] sessions. Include reason for closure, progress made, and any recommendations for continued support.

Create a brief narrative note documenting a student self-referral. The student came in reporting [concern]. Include presenting issue, counselor response, any immediate actions taken, and follow-up plan.

Write a college readiness lesson plan for [grade level] students focused on [topic, e.g., building a college list, understanding financial aid, writing a personal statement]. Include learning objectives, a 20-minute activity, and a reflection prompt.

Draft a college application timeline for a first-generation college student in 11th grade. Include key deadlines, tasks, and tips organized by month from September through May.

Create a career exploration worksheet for [grade level] students that helps them identify their strengths, interests, and potential career pathways. Include self-assessment questions and a next-steps section.

Write a script for a 10-minute college readiness advisory lesson on [topic, e.g., FAFSA completion, scholarship searching, choosing a major]. Include talking points, one student activity, and a closing call to action.

Draft a recommendation letter outline for a student applying to [type of program, e.g., competitive college, vocational program, scholarship]. Include sections for academic achievement, character, and specific examples a counselor might fill in.

Create a 'What to Expect After High School' resource guide for seniors covering options including 4-year college, community college, trade school, military, and direct employment. Keep language accessible and non-judgmental.

Write a set of 5 reflection questions for a junior or senior to use during a college/career planning meeting with their school counselor. Questions should help the student articulate goals, concerns, and next steps.

Draft a professional email to a parent informing them that their [grade level] student has been referred to counseling services for [general concern, e.g., academic stress, social difficulties]. Keep the tone warm, collaborative, and solution-focused. Do not disclose confidential session content.

Write a teacher consultation email requesting a check-in about a student showing [observable behavioral or academic changes]. Include a request for the teacher's observations and an offer to collaborate on support strategies.

Create a parent-friendly explanation of what school counseling services include — individual support, group counseling, classroom lessons, and college/career guidance — for use in a newsletter or welcome letter.

Draft a follow-up email to a parent after a student support meeting. Include a summary of what was discussed (in general terms), agreed-upon next steps, and an invitation to stay in contact.

Write a communication to teachers explaining the purpose of a [type of group, e.g., social skills, grief support] counseling group, what students can expect, and how teachers can reinforce the skills outside of sessions.

Create a template for a 'Student Support Update' note counselors can send to parents monthly or quarterly, covering general wellbeing, strengths observed, and areas for growth — without disclosing session content.

Draft a professional response to a parent who has expressed frustration about a situation involving their child at school. Keep the tone empathetic, solution-focused, and professional.

Write a crisis intervention documentation template that includes: date and time, presenting concern, risk assessment summary (without student name/ID), immediate actions taken, parent/guardian notification, administrative notification, and follow-up plan.

Draft a referral letter to an outside mental health provider for a student experiencing [general concern, e.g., persistent anxiety, mood changes]. Include a general summary of observed concerns, school-based supports already in place, and a request for coordination.

Create a post-crisis check-in protocol for a student returning to school after [type of absence, e.g., mental health hospitalization, family crisis]. Include check-in frequency, communication plan, and reintegration steps.

Write a brief summary of a threat assessment meeting for documentation purposes. Include date, participants (by role, not name), concern presented, risk level determined, action steps agreed upon, and timeline for review.

Draft a safety plan template for a student experiencing [risk factor, e.g., suicidal ideation, self-harm]. Include warning signs, coping strategies, trusted contacts, and emergency resources.

Write a script for notifying a parent by phone that their student was involved in a crisis situation at school. Include language that is calm, factual, and appropriately limited in detail while still communicating urgency and next steps.

Create a debrief documentation template for counselors to use after a school-wide crisis event (e.g., loss of a community member). Include actions taken, students served, staff coordination, and recommended follow-up.

Write a 30-minute SEL classroom lesson for [grade level] on the topic of [skill, e.g., managing anxiety, building empathy, conflict resolution]. Include a hook activity, direct instruction, a partner or group activity, and a reflection question.

Create a SEL mini-lesson script (10–12 minutes) for an advisory period focused on [topic, e.g., growth mindset, identifying emotions, peer pressure]. Include a discussion prompt and one take-home strategy.

Design a SEL bulletin board concept for the theme of [topic, e.g., 'You Belong Here,' 'Manage Your Stress']. Include title text, 4–5 key messages or tips, and a student engagement element.

Write a classroom guidance lesson plan for [grade level] on college and career awareness. Include a 'What Do You Want to Be?' activity, a career cluster overview, and a goal-setting reflection.

Create a set of 5 discussion questions for a classroom lesson on [SEL topic, e.g., digital citizenship, healthy relationships, growth mindset] appropriate for [grade level] students.

Write a student-facing handout on [coping skill, e.g., deep breathing, grounding techniques, journaling] that can be distributed during a classroom guidance lesson or individual session.

Draft a weekly SEL check-in activity for a homeroom or advisory class. Include a mood check-in scale, one reflection prompt, and a brief skill reminder students can use throughout the day.