Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. Who Are School Psychologists?
2. What School Psychologists Do?
3. Where School Psychologists Work?

Who Are School Psychologists?

School psychologists help children and youth succeed academically, socially, 
and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents, and other 
professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments 
for all students that strengthen connections between home and school.

School psychologists are highly trained in both psychology and education. 
They must complete a minimum of a post-Master�s degree program that includes 
a year-long internship and emphasizes preparation in mental health, child 
development, school organization, learning styles and processes, behavior, 
motivation, and effective teaching.

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).

Back to Top

What School Psychologists Do?

School psychologists work to find the best solution for each student and 
situation and use different strategies to address student needs and to 
improve school and district-wide support systems.

School psychologists work with students individually and in groups. They 
also develop programs to train teachers and parents regarding effective 
teaching and learning strategies, effective techniques to manage behavior at 
home and in the classroom, working with students with disabilities or with 
special talents, abuse of drugs and other substances, and preventing and 
managing crises.

In addition, most school psychologists provide the following services.

Consultation

Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to find effective 
solutions to learning and behavior problems. 
Help others understand child development and how it affects learning and 
behavior. 
Strengthen working relationships between teachers, parents, and service 
providers in the community. 

Evaluation

Evaluate eligibility for special services. 
Assess academic skills and aptitude for learning. 
Determine social-emotional development and mental health status. 
Evaluate learning environments. 

Intervention

Provide psychological counseling to help resolve interpersonal or family 
problems that interfere with school performance. 
Work directly with children and their families to help resolve problems in 
adjustment and learning. 
Provide training in social skills and anger management. 
Help families and schools manage crises, such as death, illness, or 
community trauma. 

Prevention 

Design programs for children at risk of failing at school. 
Promote tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity within the 
school community. 
Develop programs to make schools safer and more effective learning 
environments. 
Collaborate with school staff and community agencies to provide services 
directed at improving psychological and physical health. 
Develop partnerships with parents and teachers to promote healthy school 
environments. 

Research and Planning 

Evaluate the effectiveness of academic and behavior management programs. 
Identify and implement programs and strategies to improve schools. 
Use evidence-based research to develop and/or recommend effective 
interventions.

Back to Top

Where School Psychologists Work?

The majority of school psychologists work in schools. However, they can 
practice in a variety of settings including: 

Public and private school systems 
School-based health centers 
Clinics and hospitals 
Private practice 
Universities 
Community and state agencies, and other institutions

Back to Top