Questions to Ask a School Psychologist
Essential questions to ask a school psychologist about their role, services, and how they can support students' mental health and academic success.
1What is your role in supporting student mental health?
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What is your role in supporting student mental health?
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Why this works
Clarifies their primary responsibilities and how they contribute to student wellbeing and academic success.
2How do you assess students who may need psychological support?
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How do you assess students who may need psychological support?
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Why this works
Understanding their assessment process helps you know how they identify and evaluate student needs.
3What services do you provide to students and families?
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What services do you provide to students and families?
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Why this works
Reveals the full scope of support available, from individual counseling to family interventions.
4How do you work with teachers to support students in the classroom?
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How do you work with teachers to support students in the classroom?
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Why this works
Shows their collaborative approach and how they help teachers understand and support student needs.
5What is your approach to crisis intervention and emergency situations?
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What is your approach to crisis intervention and emergency situations?
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Why this works
Understanding their crisis response helps you know how they handle urgent mental health situations.
6How do you maintain confidentiality while working with multiple stakeholders?
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How do you maintain confidentiality while working with multiple stakeholders?
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Why this works
Clarifies how they balance student privacy with necessary communication with parents, teachers, and administrators.
7What resources do you recommend for parents concerned about their child's mental health?
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What resources do you recommend for parents concerned about their child's mental health?
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Why this works
Provides guidance on where families can find additional support and information.
8How do you support students with learning disabilities or special needs?
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How do you support students with learning disabilities or special needs?
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Why this works
Shows their expertise in working with diverse student populations and special education requirements.
9What is your experience with different age groups and developmental stages?
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What is your experience with different age groups and developmental stages?
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Why this works
Reveals their expertise across grade levels and understanding of developmental psychology.
10How do you handle situations where a student's needs exceed school resources?
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How do you handle situations where a student's needs exceed school resources?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to referring students to external services when school support isn't sufficient.
11What training do you have in evidence-based interventions?
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What training do you have in evidence-based interventions?
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Why this works
Ensures they use proven methods and stay current with best practices in school psychology.
12How do you support students during transitions or major life changes?
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How do you support students during transitions or major life changes?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to helping students cope with changes like moving, family issues, or academic challenges.
13What is your role in developing and implementing behavior intervention plans?
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What is your role in developing and implementing behavior intervention plans?
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Why this works
Shows their expertise in creating structured approaches to address challenging behaviors.
14How do you work with parents who may be resistant to mental health support?
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How do you work with parents who may be resistant to mental health support?
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Why this works
Reveals their skills in building trust and addressing concerns that may prevent families from seeking help.
15What is your approach to supporting students with anxiety or depression?
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What is your approach to supporting students with anxiety or depression?
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Why this works
Shows their expertise in addressing common mental health challenges that affect academic performance.
16How do you stay current with research and best practices in school psychology?
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How do you stay current with research and best practices in school psychology?
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Why this works
Ensures they're using evidence-based approaches and staying updated on new developments in the field.
17What is your experience with group counseling or social skills programs?
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What is your experience with group counseling or social skills programs?
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Why this works
Reveals their ability to work with multiple students and facilitate peer interactions.
18How do you support students who are experiencing bullying or social difficulties?
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How do you support students who are experiencing bullying or social difficulties?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to addressing social issues and creating safe, inclusive school environments.
19What is your role in suicide prevention and mental health awareness?
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What is your role in suicide prevention and mental health awareness?
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Why this works
Clarifies their involvement in critical mental health initiatives and prevention programs.
20How do you measure the effectiveness of your interventions?
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How do you measure the effectiveness of your interventions?
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Why this works
Shows their commitment to outcomes and continuous improvement in student support services.
Best Practices for Working with School Psychologists
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Build Collaborative Relationships
Work with school psychologists as partners in supporting student success, not just crisis responders.
Respect Confidentiality
Understand that they must balance student privacy with necessary communication about safety and support needs.
Be Proactive About Concerns
Don't wait for crises to develop. Share concerns early so they can provide preventive support.
Support Their Recommendations
When they suggest interventions or referrals, follow through to ensure students get the help they need.
Question Sequences
The Role Understanding Sequence
The Assessment and Intervention Sequence
The Collaboration and Support Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Expect Instant Solutions
Mental health support takes time. Don't expect immediate results from psychological interventions.
Don't Violate Confidentiality
Respect student privacy. Don't share information about students' mental health with unauthorized people.
Don't Ignore Their Expertise
School psychologists have specialized training. Listen to their recommendations and professional judgment.
Don't Wait for Crisis
Early intervention is more effective than crisis response. Don't wait for problems to escalate before seeking help.