School Psychologists and School Social Workers are uniquely qualified to apply their knowledge and expertise of child development, mental health, learning and behavior to help children and adolescents succeed in school. As members of the student services team, School Psychologists and School Social Workers work to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. 

School Social Workers are assigned to specific schools that have programs and services for students with more intensive needs.  Both school psychologists and school social workers are trained to work with students from early childhood through the age of 21.

Psychological Services can assist students with:

• Excessive worrying or anxiety about school
• Struggling with learning or organization problems
• Children with a suspeced or an identified disability
• Feeling sad, lonely, angry, or rejected
• Difficulty managing behavior or managing emotions
• Self injurious behavior

What Services Are Provided

Consultation

School psychologists and school social workers work with parents, teachers and school personnel to:

• Provide insight and understanding of individual student’s unique needs
• Provide understanding of diverse learners and effective strategies  
• Provide suggestions for helping your child academically, socially or emotionally at home
• Improve the working relationships among parents, teachers and administrators 
• Access available community resources to assist the student and family
• Coordinate with private mental health providers when appropriate
• School psychologists and school social workers are also instrumental to the success of the Collaborative Decision Making consultation model; serving as county-wide coaches or school team members.  

Assessment

When appropriate, school psychologists are qualified to conduct individual student assessments in an effort to measure:

• Cognitive ability including strengths and weaknesses
• Adaptive behavior including self -help and social skills
• Emotional and behavioral development

Direct Intervention

School psychologist and school social workers work directly with individual students and or families to resolve problems. Depending on the situation and needs the following may be provided within the school setting to support students in accessing their education or meeting established educational goals:

• Individual Counseling
• Behavior Management Crisis Intervention
• Support groups with specific focus such as grief, social skills development, managing anger or community building

Prevention

• Provide training to staff to ensure safety and well-being of all students including suicide prevention trainings.
• Training and support to staff to promote cultural proficiency and acceptance of all student groups
• Participate in school wide initiatives to address bullying and promote use of Positive Behavior Intervention supports (PBIS).