Examining Counseling and Psychosocial Support Strategies in the Turkish Education System

In recent weeks, the Ministry of National Education (MEB) and local institutions in various provinces, including Rize, have held a series of provincial meetings titled the "Counseling and Psychological Services Executive Commission." These sessions, aimed at planning for the 2026-2027 academic year, focus on strengthening support infrastructures for students and families [1].

Development of Specialized Counseling Centers in Rize Province One of the most significant recent developments in this field is the opening of the first private counseling and psychological services center officially licensed by the Ministry of National Education in Rize province. This center, which opened in early July 2026, has defined new standards for providing professional services to children, adolescents, and parents in the region [2]. Local authorities believe that the presence of such certified centers can reduce the heavy burden on public centers and facilitate families' access to quality counseling.

Addressing Digital Risks and Strengthening Family Structure Alongside the physical development of centers, content approaches have also undergone changes. In the "Family Workshop" recently held in Rize, experts and academics conducted a detailed examination of the risks of the digital age for youth and the family structure [3]. During these meetings, topics such as family crisis management, strengthening intergenerational communication, and preventing cyber-space harms were seriously discussed and exchanged [5].

International Collaborations and New Support Standards Turkey's domestic efforts have also been accompanied by international support. Earlier in 2026, the Ministry of National Education, in collaboration with UNICEF, introduced updated modules for counseling actions [4]. These new educational packages include life skills, emotional regulation in challenging situations, and violence prevention, which are now on the agenda of all provincial commissions for implementation in schools across the country.

Focus on Preventing School Bullying Recent parliamentary reports show that one in seven children in Turkey faces the phenomenon of school bullying. For this reason, recent meetings have emphasized the need for early intervention and the creation of safer learning environments [5]. The ultimate goal of these programs is not only to improve academic levels but also to ensure the mental health and social growth of students in an educational environment free from violence.