School psychologists help support behavioral, mental, and academic health, making their role critical in student development. They collaborate with a student’s support network to meet needs in strategic ways and manage intervention support.
But school psychologists have recently been in short supply, with 2023 data showing an average of one psychologist for every 1,127 students — the goal ratio set by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is one for every 500 students.
Read on to learn more about the responsibilities of school psychologists and why school psychology is a promising and fulfilling career choice.
Understanding the Role of School Psychology
A school psychologist spends time counseling, assessing, intervening, and conducting initiatives to support all areas of a student’s school experience. They focus on helping students address educational, behavioral, or developmental issues that may be negatively impacting their overall learning experience. Their role is critical in helping students, families, and schools achieve successful outcomes.
School Psychologist vs. School Counselor
The term “school psychologist” is often mistakenly used interchangeably with “school counselor,” but the roles have significant differences. A school psychologist assesses and evaluates students to determine what additional services may be needed to address developmental issues or special education needs. Counselors, however, typically work with the broader student population and help generally prepare them for educational, professional, and emotional experiences, while also providing mental health support.
Common Issues Addressed by School Psychologists
School psychologists work to address a range of issues that impact student learning, from mental health to learning-related conditions. Some of these include:
- Depression
- ADHD
- Learning disabilities
- Behavioral disorders
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Grief and loss
- Bullying
- Family issues
Work Settings for School Psychologists
The vast majority — 81 percent, according to the NASP — of school psychologists work in K–12 public schools. The remaining 19 percent work in unique settings such as:
- Private schools
- Preschools
- Universities
- Community health organizations
- Mental health practices
- Hospitals
- Government agencies
- Private practices
The Path to Working in School Psychology
If this type of role in student support sounds appealing, it’s essential to know the right steps toward a career in school psychology. There is a somewhat standard path to becoming a school psychologist, but be sure to check state-specific requirements before beginning the process.
Here are the four basic steps to establish a career in school psychology:
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Earning a Bachelor’s degree with a focus relevant to school psychology, typically in psychology, is the first educational step toward being a school psychologist. If a Bachelor’s degree is earned in a different field, some prerequisite courses may be required before gaining admission to a school psychology graduate program.
- Complete a Graduate Program: Students must earn a master’s degree in psychology or school psychology, or an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree, to take the next step toward becoming a school psychologist. This is typically a two- or three-year educational commitment, depending on specific state credit requirements.
- Complete an Internship: After completing a graduate program, the next step in becoming a school psychologist is to secure and complete an internship. The total time commitment requirement for these internships varies by state, but most require at least 1,200 hours of work. These internships provide an opportunity to gain practical experience working with students after completing the required undergraduate and graduate coursework.
- Apply for State Licensure: After earning the required degrees and completing an internship, the next step is to apply for state licensure. This typically involves passing a national exam, such as the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology or the Praxis Psychologist exam.
Career Benefits of School Psychology
School Psychologist Pay
The annual compensation of school psychologists varies based on state, facility type, population, and other factors. But the average annual base salary is $91,990 with an average hourly rate of $44.22.
Increasing Demand
There is a growing mental health crisis among students, with 40 percent of high school students reporting feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness. There is also an increase in the number of students experiencing trauma, poverty, and behavioral disorders. These trends were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a shortage of school psychologists to meet the increasing needs of students.
Finding Top-Paying School Psychology Roles
One of the top ways to find the highest compensation as a school psychologist is to consider location. Statistically, the top ten states with the highest earning potential for school psychologists are:
- Colorado
- California
- New York
- Washington
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- Virginia
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Alaska
Flexibility
School psychologists typically follow the school year calendar, which offers an appealing and flexible schedule for many situations. Enjoying the same holidays and summer vacations that teachers do is helpful for many professionals navigating childcare needs or actively working to avoid burnout.
Rewarding Work
Working in preventative services for students is rewarding work and provides a fulfilling career with day-to-day variety. The ability to make a difference in a student’s educational experience and help families navigate challenges can be a consistently rewarding experience. Many school psychologists report that the job can be highly rewarding, especially when students find the tools and resources they need to succeed at school.
Career Growth and Advanced Certifications
The path of school psychology can go beyond working as an entry-level school psychologist. There are career growth opportunities, advanced degrees, and certifications that can further a career and deepen fulfillment. Some of these include:
- Administrative Roles: Leadership positions within the school system can become available to school psychologists with years of experience. These roles often serve as a pathway to making lasting change, and school psychologists possess valuable expertise to inform what those school- or district-wide efforts should look like.
- Program Development: School psychologists can sometimes work to develop programs that address the needs of multiple students, which can serve as a preventative solution to many of the issues individual students face.
- Private Practice: A school psychologist may prefer to branch out from the school setting to start or join a private practice. This allows them to serve families and individuals with an approach that is more focused on their personal strengths and offers greater autonomy.
- Advanced Degrees: A doctorate (such as a PhD or PsyD) can be obtained after graduate school or after practicing as a psychologist. This advanced degree would open doors to advanced research, clinical, and teaching opportunities.
Can School Psychologists Travel or Work in Other States?
The Interstate Compact for School Psychologists is a licensure compact similar to the Nurse Licensure Compact. This is a multi-state initiative developed by the Council of State Governments (CSG), the Department of Defense (DoD), and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to help school psychologists achieve greater career mobility and efficient travel placement. Currently, the compact is in development, and states can enact legislation to join the compact.
When the interstate compact is fully enacted, school psychologists will be able to efficiently take travel positions across state borders without needing to obtain licensure specific to that new state.
Find the Right School Psychologist Job with SHC
If you’re ready to make a difference in students’ lives as a school psychologist, Supplemental Health Care can help connect you to the right opportunity. Our recruiting team is ready to help you find your next role in your school psychology career, from elementary school through high school across the United States. Contact us today
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