If you love the idea of helping children and young adults, you might be thinking about becoming a school psychologist. Also referred to as an educational psychologist, this can be a highly rewarding career for the right individual. Let’s take a closer look at what school psychologists do and how to become one.
How to Become a School Psychologist
Not every school psychologist’s path to their career is identical. To become a school psychologist, you must do the following:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a relevant field (e.g. education).
- Complete a master’s degree in school psychology or education, which includes clinical hours.
- Pass the NCSP certification and Praxis exam (which may not be required in all states but is generally recommended)
- Consider earning a Doctorate in School Psychology and completing an internship.
While a bachelor’s degree might be sufficient for some jobs, a doctorate opens doors to management opportunities as well the chance to help shape policy decisions in today’s educational system.
What Do School Psychologists Do?
School psychologists work with students of all grade levels to diagnose and counsel those with mental disorders, learning disabilities, and other mental health issues.
Here are some of the duties school psychologists have:
Stop Addictive Substance Usage
Schools in the USA have always been subject to problems with addictive substances. One of the primary damaging habits at the moment is with vapes and vaping. They’re seen as a better alternative to smoking but the reality is that they’re still super damaging to lungs and bronchial health. Phycologists can help change behavior as far as vaping is concerned, but when this is coupled with the school taking action too by installing a vape detector at different points throughout the school the effect is doubled. A psychologist can unpick why students are picking up this bad habit and attack it at the source, whereas vape detectors allow for a reactionary response to those breaking rules and damaging their own health. Psychologists no doubt get a lot out of changing addictive behavior in students, whether vaping, or worse.
Counseling
School psychologists provide counseling to students who are struggling. They discuss the students’ emotional, social, and academic issues. They work with students who deal with the following issues:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Trauma
- Eating disorders
- Drug addiction
- Bullying
- Family issues (e.g. divorce)
- Suicidal thoughts
Grief Counseling
In times of crisis, school psychologists often work with both students and staff, either one-on-one or in group settings to provide grief counseling. Some examples of this are when there’s a death in the family or of another student. School psychologists also offer grief counseling in the event of a mass shooting at school locations and other tragedies, such as suicide pacts. Mass shooting events at school are always traumatic and sometimes you’ll find that you’re helping members of the faculty, not just the students effected by the school shooting.
Academic Progress Monitoring
School psychologists assess, evaluate, monitor, and otherwise work with students to ensure academic achievements are being met. They monitor students’ academic progress and help them overcome any factors that may be contributing to their learning. Not only do they work with students who are struggling, but they also work with gifted students.
Learning Disability Assessment and Management
School psychologists also work with students to assess, identify, and manage learning disabilities and other mental health conditions that may impact learning, such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. They may refer students to special education classes, if necessary.
Another one of school psychologists’ roles is to work with students who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). They work with parents and educators to develop IEPs and also ensure that the students’ needs are being met.
Peer Mediation
If students are struggling to get along with one another, a school psychologist may provide peer mediation. The goal is to settle any disputes between students and resolve any behavioral issues that may be preventing the students from having a civil relationship that isn’t disruptive or harmful both in and out of the classroom. They also help students learn more effective conflict resolution strategies.
Other Duties
Working with the students isn’t the only thing school psychologists do. They also communicate with parents and guardians about the issues the student is facing. They also help refer children to the right mental health resources, if necessary.
School psychologists also deal with a lot of paperwork. They must provide notes when evaluating, counseling, and otherwise working with students.
Where Do School Psychologists Work?
School psychologists may have numerous work environments. Some of the places where they may find work include:
- Preschools
- Public and private schools
- Colleges and universities
- Community-based clinics
- School-based health centers
- Juvenile justice programs
- Private practice settings
What Is the Earning Potential?
This can be a financially rewarding career. School psychologists have an average salary of $89,290 per year or about $42.93 per hour.
These are just some things you should know before taking the plunge and becoming a school psychologist. If you have a love for helping people and working with children and young adults, this might be the perfect career for you.
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