What Does the School Psychologist Do?

The field of psychology is well known to be extensive, featured with many specialties. When a school psychologist is mentioned, this mostly refers to a child psychologist in most cases. This is a professional whose work involves assisting young people. However, just like other psychologists, they focus on helping customers with their mental health, and emotions. So, what does a school psychologist do?

We wrote this article to clarify the job description of a psychologist employed by schools. Here, we will discuss all terms of employment, qualifications, duties, and salary of a school psychologist. Since this area of study and career is characterized by several specialties, we will narrow it down to what is expected of a psychologist stationed at a school level. Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about the work environment of a psychologist at school.

What exactly is School Psychology?

Let us start by giving a few definitions with relevance to this field of study and career. As a start, what comes to your mind when you hear the word psychology? Well, it is a field of study that yields professionals responsible for focusing on and handling, cognitive, emotional and physical challenges during human development. In school, a psychologist focuses on child education, and special education and their development as they move from one stage of their childhood to the other.

A school psychologist is a professional with knowledge of child development, functional psychology and special education. Unlike other psychologists, their practice requires targeting learning, development, and behaviors in children. To understand this field and its professionals deeper, we will look into all areas that define the study and career.

Psychologists Vs Counselors in School

So, now that we know who school psychologist is and what they are trained to do, let us compare and contrast their similarities and differences from school counselors. Interestingly, school psychologists and counselors are always mistaken for a similar role. On that note, it is important to acknowledge that some of their roles and skills often overlap. However, the truth remains to be that these two professions have unique roles.