School Psychology is a field that applies principles of clinical psychology and educational psychology to the
diagnosis and treatment of children's and adolescents' behavioral and learning problems.
School psychologists are educated in psychology, education, child and adolescent development, child and
adolescent psychopathology, learning theories, family and parenting practices, and personality theories.
They are knowledgeable about effective instruction and effective schools. They are trained to carry out
psychological and psychoeducational assessment, psychotherapy, and consultation, and in the ethical, legal and
administrative codes of their profession.
School psychologists work to find the best solution for each student and situation;
they use different strategies to address student needs and to improve school and district-wide support systems.
School psychologists work with students individually and in groups. They also develop programs to train teachers and
parents about effective teaching and learning strategies, techniques to manage behavior at home and in the
classroom, working with students with disabilities or with special talents, addressing abuse of drugs and other
substances, and preventing and managing crises.
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Adapted from the National Association of School Psychologists website (www.nasponline.org)
