Supporting the Whole Person—Mind, Body, and Spirit
At Loyola Academy, our Counseling Department plays an integral role in the formation of the whole person. Rooted in the Jesuit principle of cura personalis—care for the entire person—our counselors walk with students throughout their high school journey, offering support, guidance, and encouragement as they grow academically, personally, socially, and spiritually.
Through one-on-one counseling, group programming, and our distinctive Formation curriculum, our team empowers students to develop resilience, cultivate healthy relationships, navigate the college discernment process, and discover their unique path forward.
 | Guiding Ramblers with Purpose |
| With deep respect for each student’s story and strengths, we accompany Ramblers as they grow into women and men for others—leaders prepared to meet the challenges of a complex and changing world. | |
| Department Mission |
| The mission of the Counseling Department is to commit to provide a positive, relevant counseling program that is developmentally comprehensive, proactive in its approach, transformative at its core and inclusive in its inspiration, while based on the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) student competencies in the domains of academic, personal/social, college/career and rooted in our Jesuit Catholic tradition. |
| Department Vision |
| In collaboration with the school community, the Counseling Department is dedicated to inspiring and developing engaged, productive citizens who are independent, resilient, spiritual, culturally competent, and devoted to lifelong learning and service to others. |
Additional Counseling and Wellness Resources
Animal Assisted Therapy Since 2011, Loyola’s beloved therapy dog program has offered students comfort, connection, and emotional support. Currently led by Teagan and Tipp, the program brings joy and stress relief to students throughout the week. |  |
Hope Squad Loyola Academy was one of the first high schools in Illinois to launch Hope Squad, a nationally recognized peer-to-peer suicide prevention program made possible through our partnership with Elyssa’s Mission. Rooted in research and aligned with Loyola’s mission of cura personalis, Hope Squad empowers students to support classmates who may be struggling and foster a culture of empathy and mental health awareness. Members are nominated by their peers for being trustworthy, compassionate, and approachable. These students are trained to recognize warning signs of distress, safely connect their peers to trusted adults, and help reduce the stigma around seeking help. Advisors—trained faculty and staff—guide and mentor the squad. Hope Squad enhances Loyola’s broader efforts to build a positive school climate, raise awareness of suicide prevention, and strengthen relationships across the student body. Participation is voluntary and requires parental permission. |  |
| Support Groups |
| Confidential student support groups provide a safe space for self-reflection, skill-building, and personal growth. These groups are guided by counseling professionals and designed to help students build resilience and community. |
| Signs of Suicide (SOS) Program |
| Integrated into the sophomore and senior Formation curriculum, the SOS Program offers depression screening and prevention education supported by Elyssa’s Mission. It equips students and parents with tools to recognize warning signs and seek help early. |
| Onsite Addiction Assessment Program & Couunseling Services |
| Loyola offers onsite counseling for students dealing with substance use or behavioral health concerns. Information is available through the Counseling Resource Board. |
| Text-A-Tip (24/7 Confidential Support) |
Text LAHelp to 1-844-823-5323 This anonymous service connects students with a local licensed mental health professional available around the clock. |
| National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline |
| Dial 988 for free, confidential support 24/7 from a trained crisis counselor. |