We’re considering a private college counseling service (outside of my daughter’s school) and was wondering if parents have found them to be worthwhile. I know they offer a variety of services, and obviously the more you pay the more services you get. I was curious if people have found them to be helpful beyond what a high school counselor can offer. We live in Los Angeles and if anyone has any recommendations that would be appreciated as well. Thanks
You can get a lot of help here on CC. Some people hire a private counselor to sort of mediate between parent and child, but otherwise, I don’t think it is needed.
Many of us don’t rely on our local school guidance counselor. Believe me 
Your best bet is to get some word of mouth recommendations from folks who have used private college counselors in your area.
What exactly are you looking for in terms of services?
I’m looking for a few things. Most importantly, for my child to pick the right school, i.e., the school that fits her for education, social environment, etc. We’re starting to tour now (she’s finishing her sophomore year) and I think we’re getting a head start but I know we can’t get to all the schools we really want to. Secondly, I want to make sure she’s taking the correct classes that would correspond with the schools which she’s interested. There’s other things but I guess at the end of the day we want a little more guidance than a school counselor can provide and also an objective voice when looking at her grades, etc and what schools are realistic.