What is School Psychology?
The world of psychology is complex and fascinating. It’s also vast, as we covered in this blog post on the role of Sports Psychology. Today, we’re looking at another area of psychology: School Psychology. This essential field can play a significant role in the lives of students, teachers and families.
Let’s get started with the basics.
What is school psychology?
School psychologists are the first line of defense to address the mental health needs of children and adolescents. These are the professionals that are in the corner for youth as they navigate the ups and downs of balancing school and home life.
And there are a number of ups and downs. Based on data collected pre-pandemic, about 1.2 million children and youth in Canada are impacted by mental illness. In Ontario specifically, 62 percent of youth report having concerns about their level of anxiety. Of those, only about 32 percent have spoken to a mental health professional about their anxiety.
These trained mental health professionals have knowledge, skills and experience in behaviour and learning, child development, and mental health. As they are proficient in both psychology and education, the skillset of these practitioners helps them understand how the minds of children and teenagers work, and what these young individuals may need to succeed academically and emotionally.
Their main mission? To promote a positive and healthy learning environment for students. School psychologists work in schools, collaborating with teachers, administrators, parents, and students to identify and address various challenges that may impact a student's learning experience.
Whether it's tackling behavioral issues, learning disabilities, or emotional struggles, school psychologists are the go-to experts for providing support, assessment, and interventions that help students thrive in their academic journey. These professionals also weigh in and implement school-based programming.
How does school psychology differ from clinical psychology?
Now, you might be wondering, "What sets school psychology apart from other branches of psychology, like clinical or counseling psychology?" Here’s the answer: while all psychologists share the goal of promoting mental wellbeing, their focus and context differ.
Clinical psychologists may work in private practices, or healthcare or community settings, offering therapy to individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges. They might work with people of all ages and tackle conditions like depression, anxiety and more complex psychological and psychiatric disorders. They often offer psychological assessments, diagnosis and treatment.
In contrast, school psychologists put their skills to use within the educational system. They're like a bridge between psychology and education, and their knowledge encompasses human behaviour and learning, and child development. They primarily focus on the needs of students, teachers and schools. Most school psychologists work in grade schools, agencies, universities or private clinics.
While clinical psychologists work in broader settings, school psychologists devote their expertise to nurturing healthy, happy, and thriving students within school environments.
To become a school psychologist in Ontario, individuals must be certified by the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). After completing a Master's degree in School or Educational Psychology, aspiring school psychologists need to fulfill the CPO's requirements, which may include a specified number of supervised hours of practice. To declare a competency in this field, CPO expects members to have substantial practice in a school setting.
What are some signs that my loved ones or I could benefit from a school psychologist?
It's natural to wonder when is the right time to reach out for help from a school psychologist. Here are some signs that you, your child or a loved one could benefit from psychological support:
Academic Struggles: If a student consistently struggles with their studies, despite putting in the effort, it may be time to assess learning disabilities, attention issues or other factors that may be challenging their progress.
Behavioral Challenges: School psychologists are skilled at assessing behavioural issues and implementing effective and individual strategies to improve behaviour and social skills.
Emotional Distress: If your child is experiencing new and/or extreme changes in mood, such as prolonged sadness, anxiety or withdrawal from social activities, it may be helpful to seek the support of a school psychologist.
Learning Differences: School psychologists can work with teachers and parents to develop unique learning plans for students with unique needs.
Family Transitions: For a student, relocating and starting at a new school can be a huge life change. A school psychologist can offer support and coping strategies during transitions like these.
Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. School psychologists are here to provide support, guidance and expertise to ensure students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
If you or a loved one are facing challenges in a school environment, don’t hesitate to connect with the OPA for the support of a school psychologist. Visit AskForHelpToday.ca to find the right professional for you.