School psychologists work in elementary and secondary schools to help students struggling with learning, social, depression, and other emotional problems. Schools hire these specialists to ensure students have access to mental health professionals, so they can learn in uncomfortable settings.
Job Description
School psychologists work individually with students to help them remove barriers hindering success. They frequently meet with parents, teachers, school administrators, and medical professionals to discuss individual students. Many school psychologists develop and oversee student success and health programs.
In addition to working with individual students, school psychologists often organize group sessions to address concerns affecting the entire school. They also frequently organize conflict resolution and peer counseling groups.
Students benefit by having school psychologists available to discuss their concerns and problems. School psychologists are usually able to identify environmental and personal problems that affect a student’s academic progress and happiness. The following are common problems students discuss with them:
Substance abuse problems
Bullying
Physical Abuse
Learning disabilities
Depression
Anxiety
Education and Training
School psychologists are required to hold a graduate degree. Most graduate programs in school psychology require students to complete an internship lasting a year before graduating.
In addition to classroom learning, graduate students enrolled in school psychology programs will have the opportunity to work with students in supervised settings. Graduate students can also specialize to work with these types of students:
Blind or deaf students
Students with a native language other than English
Emotionally disturbed or severely depressed students
Students in specific age groups
Since school psychologists meet with students, teachers, administrators, and others, they must have excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
They must also be able to reach students from diverse backgrounds and demonstrate empathy. It’s not uncommon for school psychologists to address these types of problems daily:
Depression and suicide
Family problems
Physical abuse
Poor self-esteem
Issues related to sexuality
Learning disabilities and special needs
Drug abuse
Academic problems
School psychologists must be assertive when dealing with students and not avoid controversial topics. Moreover, it’s the duty of school psychologists to report physical and sexual abuse to the authorities.
Prior Work Experience
Applicable work experience can be acquired by working as a social worker or counselor. Participating in group research projects or volunteering at community centers can be a great way to obtain experience.
Career Advancement
To earn extra income, school psychologists sometimes open private practices and meet with clients during nights and weekends.
Related Associations and Groups
Additional details about school psychologist careers can be obtained from these organizations:
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Organizational psychologists, often referred to as Industrial-Organizational Psychologists or I-O Psychologists, are some of the highest paid psychology professionals in the world.
I-O psychologists develop techniques meant to enhance productivity, assist managers assigning employees to project groups, and improve product testing methods for private corporations and government agencies. learn more...
