School psychologists are uniquely qualified individuals, often certified to serve PK-12th grades. While many initially think about school counselors or special education testing, school psychologists aim to meet a wide variety of students’ needs. We are trained in mental health, learning, and behavior and use these skills to help students succeed in school, not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Not only do we work with students, but we also build partnerships with families, teachers, administrators, and other professionals to ensure that schools are healthy environments where students can grow and thrive.
School psychologists are involved at the school level with:
- Conducting psychological and academic assessments
- Individualizing instruction and interventions
- Managing student and classroom behavior
- Monitoring student progress
- Collecting and interpreting student and classroom data
- Reducing inappropriate referrals to special education
- Assessing emotional, behavioral, and communication needs
- Providing individual and group counseling
- Reinforcing positive coping skills and resilience
- Assessing diverse learning needs
- Preventing bullying and other forms of violence
- Implementing school-wide positive behavioral supports
- Providing crisis prevention and intervention services
- Helping families understand their child’s learning and mental health needs
- Assisting in navigating special education processes
- Connecting families with community service providers when necessary
- Helping effectively engage families with teachers and other school staff
- Enhancing staff understanding and responsiveness to diverse cultures and backgrounds
- Helping students transition between school and community learning environments, such as residential treatment or juvenile justice programs
school psychologist's office 