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Overview The work of a school psychologist incorporates aspects of several broader disciplines within psychology, such as abnormal psychology and cognitive psychology. Many school psychologists work primarily with children, so training in child psychology is important. School psychology is related to educational psychology, though tasks and responsibilities do not completely overlap. Although an educational psychologist may create testing and evaluation methods in addition to educational curriculum development, a school psychologist spends most of their time counseling and applying psychological testing to students to understand their individual needs. Employment as a School Psychologist School psychologists serve students of all ages, from pre-school children to those enrolled in college. They are employed by public and private school systems, as well as colleges and universities. A school psychologist may work at a single school or at several schools within a school system; allocating time between different schools is common in rural areas or smaller systems. The field has changed in recent years with the rise of public pre-schools that include children as young as three, and educational budget cuts that have resulted in increased workloads and changed employment conditions for many school psychologists. What Issues Do School Psychologists Encounter? Most students receive counseling for behavioral problems, interpersonal conflicts and changes in academic performance. They are trained to modify negative behavior, address personal issues, resolve conflicts and improve social and academic skills. They may also work with students on family issues or other crises affecting academic performance and emotional well-being. In recent times, school psychologists increasingly deal with special needs issues, including identification of learning disabilities and mental health problems. They may help students cope with emotional or traumatic events, such as the death of a friend, family member or teacher, and respond to events like crimes, natural disasters, or large-scale events that can be traumatic for children. What Does a School Psychologist Do? The day-to-day responsibilities vary by age of the students served and the educational setting. However, the work typically includes counseling, evaluation, and collaboration with families and professionals. Student Counseling Students are generally referred for counseling by teachers, parents or the students themselves. They may receive individual counseling or group counseling, for example to address conflicts or bullying. Counseling helps the child understand behavior and develop coping strategies. Student Evaluation School psychologists may evaluate students to determine eligibility for special educational programs or social services. They may perform evaluations for students who are gifted or who require additional attention due to learning disabilities. These evaluations can be conducted alone or as part of a larger assessment team. Issues such as ADHD are commonly addressed by school psychologists. Working with Families Communicating with parents and guardians is another important responsibility. Psychologists inform parents about problems arising with their child and help them develop plans to address issues. They may mediate conflicts affecting the student’s academic performance. Coordinating with Educational Professionals They work with teachers and administrators to address issues impacting more than one student, such as bullying or abuse. They may assist with school-wide programs and campaigns and prepare presentations for different classes or age groups. Referrals and Contacting Authorities They write referrals for students with serious mental problems requiring care beyond what the educational system can provide. They may help families coordinate services and are responsible for alerting authorities if abuse, neglect or criminal activity is suspected or alleged. Becoming a School Psychologist Training includes coursework in psychology and education to interact with students, families, teachers, administrators and other professionals. Typically, a four-year bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree from an accredited psychology program are required. A 1,200-hour internship during graduate studies is common; doctoral studies may require a 1,500-hour internship and a dissertation. Career Outlook and Salary The job market for school psychology is expected to grow substantially over the next 10 years. Salaries vary by experience and location. The median salary for a school psychologist is $85,000 US (as of 2025) , about $40.84 per hour. Entry-level positions can be as high as $60,000 or $28.50 per hour, and those with more experience can earn up to $131,000 annually or $63.20 per hour. The industries with the highest employment are Elementary and Secondary Schools, Offices of Other Health Practitioners, and Individual and Family Services. The states with the highest employment levels include California, New York and Pennsylvania. A position in school psychology can be highly rewarding with dedication, and there are a variety of opportunities as the industry is expected to grow. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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