School Psychology

 

Formal Specialty Definition: 

School Psychology is a general practice and health service provider specialty of professional psychology that is concerned with the science and practice of psychology with children, youth, families, learners of all ages, and the schooling process. The basic education and training of school psychologists prepares them to provide a range of psychological diagnosis, assessment, intervention, prevention, health promotion, and program development and evaluation services with special focus on the developmental processes of children and youth within the context of schools, families and other systems.

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Overview of Organization and Goals:

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School Psychology Specialty Presentation 2023

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Bylaws:

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School Psychology Specialty Council

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Levels of Specialty Training:

 

Specialty training in School Psychology occurs at the doctoral level. There are currently 55 doctoral training programs accredited by the American Psychological Association plus 11 accredited combined doctoral psychology programs with a School Psychology option. The first School Psychology doctoral training program was APA accredited in 1971.

 

Specialty Board Certification:

 

Board Certification in School Psychology is available through the American Board of School Psychology (ABSP), which is a Specialty Board of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).

 

Sources of Specialty Recognition:

 

1. APA/CRSPPP recognition: School Psychology was formally recognized as a specialty in professional psychology by the Commission for Recognition of Specialties and Proficiencies in Professional Psychology (CRSPPP) in 1998, the period when APA/CRSPPP was formed.

2. ABPP recognition: ABPP board certification in School Psychology as been available since 1968.

 

School Psychology Specialty Council Membership:

 

• Division of School Psychology (Division 16) American Psychological Association (APA)

• American Board of School Psychology (ABSP)

• American Academy of School Psychology (AASP)

• Council of Directors of School Psychology Training Programs (CDSPP)

• National Association of School Psychologist (NASP)

• Trainers of School Psychologists (TSP)

• Society for the Study of School Psychology (SSSP)

 

Specialty Related Web Links:

 

• American Academy of School Psychology

• American Board of School Psychology

• APA Division 16

• Council of Directors of School Psychology Programs

• National Association of School Psychologists

• Society for the Study of School Psychology

• Trainers of School Psychologists

 

Education and Training Guidelines:

 

• School Guidelines

• Taxonomy for School Psychology

 

Representative:

Carlen Henington, PhD, NCSP