Evaluating school-based psychological and counselling services in Macao using a qualitative approach

The purpose of this study was to explore the status of psychological services in schools in Macao, and the role of school counsellors providing these services. At present, school psychology is not a recognized profession within the territory and school counsellors appointed by the Direccao dos Service os de Educacao e Juventude (DSEJ) through their designated agencies provide the only psychological services to children and families. Adopting a qualitative approach, the researchers collected the viewpoints from three teachers and seven school counsellors regarding the central question: 'How do school counsellors "serve" the Macao school children and their families, and what are the most common services required?'. An interpretative phenomeno-logical analysis revealed three themes: (a) School counselling services; (b) psycho-education and mental health services; and (c) perceived needs. Also discussed were recommendations for the development of the field, including the provision of additional school-based child and family interventions in Macao.