The American School Counselor Association advocates the use of the title:

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) advocates for the use of the title "professional school counselor" as it accurately reflects the specific role and responsibilities of counselors working in educational settings. This title emphasizes the professional nature of the work, which encompasses a wide range of functions including academic, career, and personal/social counseling. Using "professional school counselor" promotes a clear understanding of the counselor's qualifications, training, and ethical obligations, which are aligned with the comprehensive school counseling framework endorsed by ASCA.

Other titles like "vocational counselor," "guidance counselor," or "guidance worker" do not capture the full scope of the modern school counselor's role. For example, the term "guidance counselor" is often considered less comprehensive and may not convey the professional identity that encompasses the academic, personal, and social development of students. Additionally, using "vocational" may limit the perception of the counselor's function to just career-related activities, rather than the holistic approach that encompasses all aspects of student support in schools.