Roles & Responsibilities: What Do School Psychologists Do?

Psychology is an expansive field with many different specialties. Some may think of a traditional clinical psychologist, who works with adults one-on-one in an office or hospital setting. Others may think of a child psychologist who specializes in helping young clients with their emotional and mental health.

With all these facets of psychology, it can be difficult to discern not only what each role entails but also what positions are even available. Perhaps you’re interested in working with kids, but you’re unsure of what your options are.

One role to consider is that of a school psychologist. You may ask yourself: What is a school psychologist? What skills do they need? And how do I become a school psychologist? We compiled some expert insight to answer your questions and help you navigate this rewarding and in-demand career.

What Is the Role of a School Psychologist?

To understand the more specific aspects of this career, it’s helpful to begin with a basic school psychologist job description. These professionals are trained to identify, address, and overcome learning and behavioral needs in school-aged children.

School psychologists are responsible for a wide range of duties. They primarily work in academic institutions, focusing their attention on students of all ages, from elementary school through college. Psychologists in schools provide in-depth psychological services with the goal of helping students succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.

Some typical services they provide include helping students who are bullied and those who face struggles such as poor academic performance, problems at home, or mental health issues. School psychologists also help students who have disabilities. This wide range of services means no two days on the job will look the same.

Daily School Psychologist Responsibilities

What do school psychologists do daily? The truth is that there is no such thing as a "typical day" for these professionals.

“As a school psychologist, you have to expect the unexpected and be ready to recalibrate your day as you go,” says Dr. Maureen Dalman-Schroeder, former part-time assistant professor at UMass Global and California delegate of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Dr. Dalman-Schroeder says her day may begin with a set schedule, only to have an administrator request she conducts a threat assessment (a violence prevention strategy that involves identifying student threats to commit violent acts, determining the seriousness of the threat, and developing an intervention plan if necessary). Or she may need to have a student come in for testing. She assists pupils who need individual counseling, works with students who have severe anxiety, and helps parents better understand their child’s behavior.

School psychologists, as you might assume, work mainly with students, but they also collaborate with teachers, parents, and school counselors. Psychologists in schools often work closely with special education teachers to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) and monitor student progress. They may also facilitate discussions between parents and educators to ensure the child’s needs are understood and met.

“A day in the life of a school psychologist varies greatly,” Dr. Dalman-Schroeder says. Since you never know what student or teacher will come to your office, being flexible, patient, and open to change will help you excel in this role.

How Do School Psychologists Differ from School Counselors?

While school psychologists and school counselors have overlapping duties, their roles differ significantly. School psychologists focus on assessing and testing students for additional services and supporting individual developmental and mental health issues. In contrast, school counselors work with the entire student population, offering crisis intervention and preparing students for future educational and professional experiences. School psychologists spend more time on mental health, intelligence, and academic achievement connections, along with determining special education needs.

How to Become a School Psychologist

If the idea of helping students overcome obstacles and succeed in life and school inspires you, you might be wondering how to become a school psychologist. The first step on the journey is an advanced degree — you won’t be eligible to obtain proper licensure to practice without one. You can begin your studies with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as psychology or education, to gauge your interest in the field.

In most states, though, you’ll need a graduate degree to qualify for licensure. You typically need an Education Specialist in School Psychology degree. Some may choose an emphasis on autism, applied behavior analysis, or other relevant subfields.

Once you’ve earned your advanced degree, you can then apply for your license. School psychologist requirements vary from state to state. Be sure to check specifics in your area. In most states, schools are credentialed by the Department of Education.

How to Become a School Psychologist in California

In California, the requirements to become a licensed school psychologist are specific and detailed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to understanding the process:

• Obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, or a related field. Complete a graduate program in school psychology that includes at least 60 semester hours of coursework.
• Complete a supervised internship consisting of at least 1,200 hours, with at least 600 hours completed in a school setting.
• Pass the Praxis II School Psychology exam, which assesses knowledge and skills related to school psychology practice.
• Apply for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Psychology through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). This credential authorizes individuals to provide school psychological services in grades K-12.
• Some districts may have additional requirements, such as background checks or additional training, so it's important to check with the specific district where you plan to work.

Essential Skills for School Psychologists

While psychologists of all kinds share many overlapping competencies and traits, school psychologists are experts in issues that commonly arise in school-age children. Their role goes beyond traditional psychological practice to encompass a diverse range of skills crucial for supporting students, educators, and parents alike. Mastering these essential skills allows school psychologists to effectively navigate the complex landscape of educational and psychological needs within educational settings. These skills include:

• Active Listening: Hear beyond words, offering empathy and understanding; gauge hidden worries and provide reassurance.
• Effective Communication: Ensure advice and findings are understood; distill complex ideas into actionable steps.
• Empathy: Build relationships and trust; support mental health and educational development.
• Problem-Solving: Identify issues, develop solutions, and assess effectiveness; navigate challenges for practical outcomes.
• Knowledge of Psychological Theory and Practice: Foundation for assessments and interventions; understanding of human behavior and therapeutic techniques.
• Conducting Psycho-Educational Assessments: Analyze data to support students facing academic hurdles; make informed decisions on educational requirements.
• Creating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Design personalized plans for students with disabilities; ensure equal academic opportunities.

School Psychologist Career Outlook and Salary

Your main motivation for becoming a school psychologist might not be money, but it’s still an important factor to consider. A career that’s both personally fulfilling and financially rewarding can be difficult to come by, but school psychologists can have the best of both worlds.

As of May 2024, the average annual pay for a school psychologist in California is $109,082. However, salaries can range from $76,810 to $136,588, with most earning between $92,190 and $123,480. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and experience levels.

Make a Difference as a School Psychologist

A career as a school psychologist is both personally fulfilling and financially rewarding. School psychologists work closely with students, parents, and teachers to advocate for children with behavioral, mental, and emotional disorders, ensuring an equitable learning environment.

If this career path inspires you, explore the educational specialist degrees from UMass Global’s School of Education to start your journey toward becoming a school psychologist.