Enhancing the Effectiveness of School-Based Psychological Counseling for Lower Secondary Students in Long Xuyen Ward, Vietnam: A Qualitative Study of Systemic Challenges and Strategic Solutions

Abstract

In the context of rapid socio-economic transformation and increasing psychosocial risks among adolescents, school-based psychological counseling has become an urgent educational priority in Vietnam. This qualitative study explores the current status, challenges, and strategic measures for enhancing psychological counseling activities in lower secondary schools in Long Xuyen Ward, An Giang Province. Data were collected from over 400 lower secondary students and 35 teachers concurrently assigned to school counseling roles through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Findings reveal a high demand for counseling support related to academic pressure, peer relationships, parent–child conflict, emotional regulation, and career orientation. However, counseling services remain fragmented, under-resourced, and largely delivered by non-specialized staff lacking systematic training. Cultural barriers, limited funding, and institutional ambiguity further constrain effectiveness. Based on thematic analysis, the study proposes a multi-tiered intervention framework emphasizing professional capacity building, structural institutionalization, parental engagement, culturally responsive practices, and policy-level investment. The findings contribute to the development of sustainable school counseling models in lower secondary education within emerging educational systems.