Louisiana Department of Education

Toll-Free 1.877.453.2721


Special Populations

School Psychology


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Who Are School Psychologists?

A School Psychologist is a professional who specializes in working with pre-school and school-age children, adolescents, and their teachers and families. They work with all school personnel to help make education for students a positive and rewarding experience.
School psychologists have specialized training in both psychology and education. They use their training and skills to team with educators, parents, and other mental health professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy and supportive environment. School psychologists understand school systems, effective teaching and successful learning. Today’s children face more challenges than ever before. School psychologists can provide solutions for tomorrow’s problems through thoughtful and positive actions today.

The training requirement to become a school psychologist is a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours, including a year-long internship. This training emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, school organization, learning, behavior and motivation. To work as a school psychologist, one must be certified and/or licensed by the state in which services are provided. School psychologists also may be nationally certified by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB).


National Association of School Psychologists
American Psychological Association
NASP-Approved School Psychology Training Programs
APA Accredited School Psychology Training Programs


What Do School Psychologists Do?

- Child Advocacy
- Counseling (individual/group)
- Cognitive Assessment
- Discipline Support
- Crisis Intervention
- Professional Development
- Functional Behavior Assessment
- Behavior Management
- Administrator, Teacher, and School Support/ Consultation/Collaboration
- Parent and Community Consultation and Leadership Development
- Community/Medical Agency Collaboration
- Positive Behavior Support
- Social Skills Training
- Multidisciplinary Assessment
- Research and Planning



Guidelines for School Psychologists:

Guidelines for Certification and Supervision of School Psychologists  PDF


Helpful links for behavior

Louisiana State Improvement Grant (LaSIG)
OSEP technical assistance center on Positive Behavioral Supports
Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice
Intervention Central
Louisiana School-Wide Positive Behavior Support
Positive Behavior Interventions and Support



Related Links

Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health
School Psychology Resources online
American Association of Suicidology
American Psychiatric Association


CONTACT
Debra Duhe, Ph.D., NCSP
225 342-0520
debra.duhe@la.gov



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