What Do School Psychologists Do?
School psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students; consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school social workers) to improve support strategies; work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies; and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services.
(NASPonline.org)
School Psychologists Help Schools Successfully…
Improve academic achievement
Promote Positive Behavior and Mental Health
Support Diverse Learners
Create Safe, Positive School Climates
Strengthen Family–School Partnerships
Improve School-Wide Assessment and Accountability
(NASPonline.org)
What Training Do School Psychologists Receive?
School psychologists receive specialized advanced graduate preparation that includes coursework and practical experiences relevant to both psychology and education. School psychologists typically complete either a specialist-level degree program (at least 60 graduate semester hours) or a doctoral degree (at least 90 graduate semester hours), both of which include a year-long 1,200-hour supervised internship. Graduate preparation develops knowledge and skills in:
Data collection and analysis
Assessment
Progress monitoring
School-wide practices to promote learning
Resilience and risk factors
Consultation and collaboration
Academic/learning interventions
Mental health interventions
Behavioral interventions
Instructional support
Prevention and intervention services
Special education services
Crisis preparedness, response, and recovery
Family–school–community collaboration
Diversity in development and learning
Research and program evaluation
Professional ethics, school law, and systems
(NASPonline.org)
How Do I Contact a School Psychologist?
Every school has access to the services of a school psychologist, although some school psychologists serve two or more schools so may not be at a particular school every day. Most often, school psychologists can be reached by inquiring at the specific school directly or at the district’s central office.
(NASPonline.org)