Referral and Consultancy Services among Guidance Counselors and Guidance Designates: A Mixed-Method Study

This convergent parallel mixed-method study explores the crucial role of referral and consultancy services in promoting mental health and well-being of students in Camarines Norte. It has a particular focus on the lived experiences of Registered Guidance Counselors (RGCs) and teachers assigned as guidance designates with regard to these services. The study seeks to achieve four primary objectives: (1) to describe the overall perspective of RGCs and guidance designates on the referral and consultancy services, (2) to assess the level of the actual practice of these services, (3) to determine the significant difference in the implementation of these services between RGCs and guidance designates, and (4) to propose a framework for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the referral and consultancy services. To achieve these objectives, six RGCs and 24 guidance designates were interviewed and surveyed. Narrative analysis was utilized to gain a deeper understanding of participants’ perspectives, while t-test was employed to determine significant differences in the actual practice of referral and consultancy services at 0.05 confidence level.The findings revealed several challenges that hinder access to these services: the limited availability of RGCs, difficulties in establishing connections with other mental health professionals, and the reluctance of clients and their families to engage with the services. Based on the analysis, the study recommends the Guidance and Counseling Referral and Consultancy System. This innovative system aims to enhance these services processes, ultimately contributing to the improvement of mental health and well-being among clients.