1. www.nasponline.org ©2008, National Association of School Psychologists
School Psychology
A Career That Makes a Difference
©2008, National Association of School Psychologists

2. What is a School Psychologist?

3. School Psychologists link mental health to learning and behavior to promote:
High academic achievement
Positive social skills and behavior
Healthy relationships and connectedness
Tolerance and respect for others
Competence, self-esteem, and resiliency

4. When Do Children Need A School Psychologist?
Learning difficulties
Behavior concerns
Attention problems
Problems at home or with peers
Fears about war, violence, terrorism
Depression and other mental health issues
Coping with crisis and trauma
Poverty, violence, or life changing events
Advocacy of their learning and mental health needs

5. What Is the Role of a School Psychologist?
Assessment
Consultation for student and systems-level change
Prevention
Intervention
Staff, parent, and student education
Research and program development
Mental health care
Advocacy

6. Where Do School Psychologists Work?
Public and private schools
Private practice
Colleges and universities
Community mental health centers
Institutional/residential facilities
Pediatric clinics and hospitals
Criminal justice system
Public agencies

7. FAQ: How does a School Psychologist differ from a school counselor?
At least 2 yrs grad school
At least 3 yrs grad school
Trained in ed./counseling
Trained in ed./psychology
Individual and group counseling addressing a variety of issues, career planning, and course scheduling
Assessment, consultation, behavioral/academic intervention, crisis prevention/intervention, individual /group counseling, and program evaluation
Employed in public schools and university
advisement centers
Employed in public/private schools, private practice, mental health centers, and universities

8. FAQ: How does a school psychologist differ from a child psychologist?
School psychologists focus on how social emotional issues, family problems, neurological factors, and mental illness affect learning
Child clinical psychologists:
Usually work in a hospital, mental health center, private clinic, or university setting
Are not typically trained in education, instruction, or classroom management
Do not focus primarily on the multiple factors that affect learning

9. So how do I become a School Psychologist?

10. Undergraduate Training
Must complete a Bachelor’s degree
Consider an education, psychology or related field
Take courses in
Child development
General and child psychology
Statistics, measurement, and research
Philosophy and theory of education
Instruction and curriculum
Special education

11. Graduate Training- Program Length
Specialist-level: 3-4 years (60+ semester credit hours) of full-time training including a 1200-hour internship*
Doctorate: 5+ years or more (90+ semester credit hours) of full-time training including a minimum 1500-hour internship*, and dissertation
*At least (600) hours of the internship must be completed in a school setting.

12. Job Outlook? Excellent both at present and long-term!
Not enough graduates to meet demand
Retirement will soon open many positions
Serious need for more ethnic and linguistic diversity in the field
School Psychology was named one of the “best careers” for 2008 by US News and World Report
psychologist-executive-summary.html

13. “In School Psychology I found a way to indulge my interest in schools, psychology, sociology, leadership, and team work.” — Ryan Estrellado School Psychologist, Chula Vista, CA

14. Questions? 14

15. References/Resources
Curtis, M. J., Lopez, A.D., Batsche, G. M., & Smith, J. C. (2006, March). School psychology 2005: A national perspective. Paper presented at the annual convention of the National Association of School Psychologists, Anaheim, CA.
Curtis, M. J., Lopez, A. D., Batsche, G. M., Minch, D., & Abshier, D. (2007, March). Status report on school psychology: A national perspective. Paper presented at the annual convention of the National Association of School Psychologists, New York City.
Fagan, T. K., & Wise, P. S. (2007). School psychology: Past, present, and future 3rd Ed. Bethesda: NASP.
Hosp, J. L., & Reschly, D. J. (2002). Regional differences in school psychology practice. School Psychology Review, 31,
Thomas, A. & Grimes, J. (2008). Best practices in school psychology V. Bethesda: NASP.

16. For more information, contact: National Association of School Psychologists
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