What is a School Psychologist?

School psychologists are mental health specialists with knowledge of child development, the psychology of learning, behavior management and intervention, monitoring progress of students, and program evaluation.

School psychologists apply this knowledge using a problem-solving approach to help bring about positive changes in learning environment, attitude, and motivation. Services offered by the school psychologist may be provided directly to the student or indirectly by working with teachers, parents, and other care givers; however, all services provided by the school psychologist are intended to enhance the academic and social emotional success of students.

School psychologists promote the application of research-based psychological principles and practices that support the mental health and learning potential of all students in general education as well as special education programs.

What training is required to become a School Psychologist?

School psychologists are intensely trained in both psychology and education and are required to complete a minimum of 60 graduate semester credit hours in a specialist-level degree program in school psychology, with a year-long, or 1,200-hour, supervised internship. The overall program includes graduate training and studies in mental health and educational interventions, child development, learning, behavior, motivation, curriculum and instruction, assessment, consultation, collaboration, school law, and systems. Many programs also offer a doctorate in school psychology, which generally requires 5 to 7 years of graduate work, including a 1,500-hour internship and completion of a dissertation. School psychologists must be certified and/or licensed by the state in which they work. They also may be nationally certified by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB). The National Association of School Psychologists sets ethical and training standards for practice and service delivery.