What is School Psychology?

School psychology is a field that applies principles of clinical psychology and educational psychology to the diagnosis and treatment of child and adolescent behavioral and learning problems.  

School psychologists help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community for all students.  

School psychologists are highly trained in both psychology and education, completing a minimum of a Masters level degree program (M.A., M. Ed., PhD) that includes a year-long supervised internship. This training emphasizes preparation in mental health and educational interventions, child development, learning, behavior, motivation, curriculum and instruction, assessment, consultation, collaboration, school law, and systems.  

School psychologists must be certified by the British Columbia Association of School Psychologists (BCASP) or registered with the British Columbia Psychology Association (BCPA). BCASP and BCPA set ethical and training standards for practice and service delivery. 

*(Source: National Association of School Psychologists. What is a school psychologist?)