School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams who support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach. We have expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, and we use this expertise to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. Working together with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals, school psychologists help to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.
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Why Do Children Need School Psychologists?
All children and youth can face problems from time to time related to learning; social relationships; making difficult decisions; or managing emotions such as feeling depressed, anxious, worried, or isolated. School psychologists help students, families, educators, and members of the community understand and resolve both long-term, chronic problems and short-term issues that students may face. They are a highly skilled and ready resource in the effort to ensure that all children and youth thrive in school, at home, and in life. |
How Do I Contact a School Psychologist?
Every school has access to the services of a school psychologist, although some school psychologists serve two or more schools so may not be at a particular school every day. To find the school psychologist assigned to a particular MCPS school, click here. |
What Do School Psychologists Do?
School psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students, consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors or 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. They help schools successfully:
Improve Academic Achievement |
Promote Positive Behavior and Mental Health |
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Promote student motivation and engagement
Conduct psychological & academic assessments Individualize instruction and interventions Manage student & classroom behavior Monitor student progress Collect & interpret student & classroom data Work to reduce inappropriate referrals to special education. |
Improve students' communication & social skills
Assess student emotional/behavioral needs Provide individual & group counseling Promote problem solving, anger management & conflict resolution Reinforce positive coping skills & resilience Promote positive peer relationships & social problem solving Make referrals to & help coordinate community services provided in schools |
Support Diverse LearnersAssess diverse learning needs
Provide culturally responsive services to students & families from diverse backgrounds Plan appropriate Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities Modify & adapt curricula & instruction Adjust classroom facilities & routines to improve student engagement and learning Monitor & effectively communicate with parents about student progress |
Create Safe, Positive School ClimatesPrevent bullying and other forms of violence
Support social-emotional learning Assess school climate and improve school connectedness Implement and promote positive discipline and restorative justice Implement school-wide positive behavioral supports Identify at risk students and school vulnerabilities Provide crisis prevention and intervention services |
Strengthen Family-School PartnershipsHelp families understand their child's learning & mental health needs
Assist in navigating the special education processes Connect families with community service providers when necessary Help effectively engage families with teachers & other school staff Enhance staff understanding & responsiveness to diverse cultures & backgrounds Help students transition between school & community learning environments |
Improve School-Wide Assessment and Accountability, Monitor Individual Student Progress in Academics and BehaviorGenerate and interpret useful student and school outcome data
Collect and analyze data on risk and protective factors related to student outcomes Plan services at the district, building, classroom, and individual levels |
Adapted from the National Association of School Psychologists (www.nasponline.org)
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