About School Psychology

School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students' abilities to learn and teachers' abilities to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections among home, school, and the community.

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) represents and supports the profession of school psychology by advancing effective practices to improve students' learning, behavior and mental health and maintaining essential standards for ethics and practice.

Who Are School Psychologists

Image PlaceholderSchool psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students, consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school social workers) to improve support strategies, work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies, and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services.

Becoming a School Psychologist

Image PlaceholderSchool psychologists typically complete either a specialist-level degree program (at least 60 graduate semester hours) or a doctoral degree (at least 90 graduate semester hours), both of which include a yearlong 1,200-hour supervised internship.

School psychologists must be credentialed by the state in which they work. They also may be nationally certified by the National School Psychology Certification Board. NASP sets standards for graduate preparation, credentialing, professional practice and ethics. The NASP Practice Model outlines the comprehensive services that school psychologists are encouraged to provide.

Media

Placeholder ImageSchool psychologists can provide expertise on issues facing schools and students such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, school safety and crisis prevention, and more. Please contact us to request an interview with a member of the association.

NASP Practice Model

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The NASP Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services, also known as the NASP Practice Model, represents NASP's official policy regarding the delivery of school psychological services.

Position Statements

Bullying Prevention and Intervention in Schools
School communities must implement robust prevention and intervention programs to address bullying.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth
Education and advocacy must be used to reduce discrimination and harassment against LGBTQ youth and promote positive social-emotional and educational development.

School Violence Prevention
Schools must implement purposeful, coordinated strategies that increase levels of safety and security and simultaneously promote student wellness and resilience.