School Psychologist

What does a school psychologist do?

School psychologists work with a team of people to help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. School psychologists are trained in both education and mental health to know how to identify and lower barriers to learning. These barriers can include developmental or learning disabilities, behavior difficulties, unconventional learning styles, school or classroom climate, issues at home or with friends, violence, and mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.

The services at the core of school psychologists’ work include prevention, consultation and evaluation, intervention, and research and planning.

For more information about school psychology, visit the National Association of School Psychologists website.

Resources for families are also available through the National Association of School Psychologists.

[Adapted from: “What Is a School Psychologist,” Andrea Canter, Helping Children at Home and School II: Handouts for Families and Educators, NASP 2004.]