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A school psychologist is a type ofpsychologistthat works within the educational system to help children with emotional, social, and academic issues. The goal of school psychology is to collaborate with parents, teachers, and students to promote a healthy learning environment that focuses on the needs of children.
School psychology is still a relatively young profession. The National Association of School Psychology (NASP) was established in 1969.
What School Psychologists Do
School psychologists work with individual students and groups of students to deal with behavioral problems, academic difficulties, disabilities, and other issues. They also work with teachers and parents to develop techniques to deal with home and classroom behavior. Other tasks include training students, parents, and teachers about how to manage crisis situations and substance abuse problems.
According to the National Association of School Psychology, there are 10 domains in which school psychologists provide services, including:
Where School Psychologists Are Employed
While most work in elementary and secondary schools, there are a number of different areas where school psychologists might find employment. Private clinics, hospitals, state agencies, and universities are possible sectors of employment. Some school psychologists also go into private practice and serve as consultants, especially those with a doctoral degree in school psychology.
Earnings and Outlook
Choosing a Career as a School Psychologist
You should look at the benefits and drawbacks involved with this career to help decide if it is the right choice.
ProsBeing able to help students succeed.Keeping a school day schedule, since most school psychologists work in elementary to secondary school settings.Collaborating with a variety of community members, including counselors, teachers, parents, and students.ConsDifficulties with students or parents can lead to high stress levels.Work-related stress and frustration can lead to burnout.School psychologists often face hectic schedules and an overload of clients.
ProsBeing able to help students succeed.Keeping a school day schedule, since most school psychologists work in elementary to secondary school settings.Collaborating with a variety of community members, including counselors, teachers, parents, and students.
Being able to help students succeed.
Keeping a school day schedule, since most school psychologists work in elementary to secondary school settings.
Collaborating with a variety of community members, including counselors, teachers, parents, and students.
ConsDifficulties with students or parents can lead to high stress levels.Work-related stress and frustration can lead to burnout.School psychologists often face hectic schedules and an overload of clients.
Difficulties with students or parents can lead to high stress levels.
Work-related stress and frustration can lead to burnout.
School psychologists often face hectic schedules and an overload of clients.
Type of Degree Needed
6 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Association of School Psychologists.Who Are School Psychologists.National Association of School Psychology.NASP 50 Forward.American Psychological Association.School Psychology.National Association of School Psychologists.NASP Practice Model 10 Domains.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational Outlook Handbook: Psychologists Pay.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational Outlook Handbook: Psychologist Job Outook.
6 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Association of School Psychologists.Who Are School Psychologists.National Association of School Psychology.NASP 50 Forward.American Psychological Association.School Psychology.National Association of School Psychologists.NASP Practice Model 10 Domains.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational Outlook Handbook: Psychologists Pay.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational Outlook Handbook: Psychologist Job Outook.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Association of School Psychologists.Who Are School Psychologists.National Association of School Psychology.NASP 50 Forward.American Psychological Association.School Psychology.National Association of School Psychologists.NASP Practice Model 10 Domains.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational Outlook Handbook: Psychologists Pay.Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational Outlook Handbook: Psychologist Job Outook.
National Association of School Psychologists.Who Are School Psychologists.
National Association of School Psychology.NASP 50 Forward.
American Psychological Association.School Psychology.
National Association of School Psychologists.NASP Practice Model 10 Domains.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational Outlook Handbook: Psychologists Pay.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational Outlook Handbook: Psychologist Job Outook.
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