FACTORS AFFECTING EFFECTIVE SOCIAL WORK IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING SERVICES: A STUDY OF HIGH SCHOOLS IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Abstract

This study investigates the key factors influencing the effectiveness of social work in school-based psychological counseling services at high schools in Ho Chi Minh City. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 916 students. The findings reveal that human resources-particularly the competencies of school counseling staff-exert the most significant influence on service effectiveness. Institutional factors, including school policies and organizational structures, also play a substantial role. Based on these results, the study recommends the establishment of specialized support teams, the enhancement of legal and institutional frameworks, and the integration of social work practices into the formal education system to improve the delivery of psychological counseling services in schools.