What It Means
A school psychologist is a specialist who works in or with schools to support students' learning, behavior and mental health. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) lists their training as psychological and educational assessment, academic and behavioral interventions, counseling and consultation, special education and diverse student populations, and ethics and law. Parents may meet one when a child is being evaluated, struggling with behavior, or going through a hard time emotionally.
Try It: Compare Specialist and Doctoral School Psychologists
Pick a degree level to see what NASP says it allows.
Specialist-level degree
The minimum NASP considers acceptable. Most states require a 60 graduate semester credit program with a 1,200-hour internship.
Allows work as a practitioner in most states, and as an administrator with the right credential.
Doctoral degree
Builds on specialist-level training.
Allows work as a practitioner, an administrator, or a university faculty member and researcher.
Source: NASP. Each state sets its own credential.
How Parents Say It
- "The school psych is doing the testing next week."
- "Can the school psychologist sit in on the meeting?"
- "Is a school psychologist the same as the counselor?"
The Breakdown
Where you might meet one, by stage. Buhata's suggestions, based on the training NASP lists:
| Stage | Why a school psychologist might be involved |
|---|---|
| Preschool and early grades | Assessing a child referred for possible special education |
| Elementary | Testing for a suspected learning disability, a behavior plan, social skills groups |
| Middle school | Anxiety or mood concerns, attention, friendship problems, a reevaluation for an IEPIEPAn IEP (Individualized Education Program) is the written plan a public school makes for a child who qualifies for special education under IDEA. See more |
| High school | Mental health screening and support, planning for life after high school with an IEP |
School psychologist or school counselor. Both support students. NASP says school psychologists are more likely to be trained in behavioral analysis, mental health screening and diagnosis, research methods and specific disability areas.
Questions to ask. Buhata's suggestions:
- Will the school psychologist be part of my child's evaluation, and which tests will they give?
- Can I see the report before the meeting where we discuss it?
- Is support from them available for my child, and how often?
When to ask for one. If you think your child may need special education, put an evaluation requestEvaluation requestA request, usually from a parent, that the public school evaluate a child for a disability and special education services under IDEA. See more to the school in writing. For worries about mood, anxiety or behavior, ask the school counselor or principal who on staff can help.
Good to Know
Each state sets its own credential for school psychologists, and NASP keeps a page per state with the requirements. Most hold at least a specialist-level degree, per NASP. A school psychologist's evaluation is one part of deciding special education eligibility under IDEA, and you must give informed consent before an initial evaluation. If your child is in crisis or talks about suicide, call or text 988 (the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), and call 911 in an emergency.
FAQ
What does a school psychologist do?
NASP lists assessment, academic and behavior interventions, counseling and consultation, and special education among their areas of training. NASP also notes they are trained in ethics, law and working with diverse student populations.
What's the difference between a school psychologist and a school counselor?
Both support students. NASP says school psychologists are more likely to be trained in mental health screening and diagnosis, behavioral analysis, research methods and specific disabilities.
How much school does a school psychologist need?
At least a specialist-level degree, NASP says. Most states require a 60 graduate semester credit program with a 1,200-hour internship, and some school psychologists hold doctorates.
Do It in Buhata
Calendar, Reminders
Put every evaluation date and IEP meeting on the Buhata Calendar, and set a Reminder a week ahead to ask the school psychologist for the report.
Open BuhataRelated Terms and Categories
- Evaluation request
A request, usually from a parent, that the public school evaluate a child for a disability and special education services under IDEA.
- IEP
An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is the written plan a public school makes for a child who qualifies for special education under IDEA.
- 504 plan
A school's plan of supports for a student whose disability substantially limits a major life activity, under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
- Social-emotional learning
How children and adults learn to understand and manage emotions, get along with others and make caring decisions, often taught as five CASEL competencies.
Sources
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), "A Career in School Psychology: Frequently Asked Questions"; NASP, "How To Become a School Psychologist"; NASP, "Credentialing Fact Sheet"; NASP, "Standards for the Credentialing of School Psychologists"; 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- www.nasponline.org/about-school-psychology/selecting-a-graduate-program/a-career-in-school-psychology-frequently-asked-questions
- www.nasponline.org/about-school-psychology/selecting-a-graduate-program
- www.nasponline.org/Documents/Standards%20and%20Certification/Standards/Credentialing_Fact_Sheet.pdf
- www.nasponline.org/Documents/Standards%20and%20Certification/Standards/2_Credentialing_Standards.pdf
Last updated .