Psychology vs Other school services

Aug 8

I am a registered provisional psychologist currently working at Masters Psychology and at a local school. I thought I’d bring clarity about the typical role of a school psychologist and what we do alongside other services commonly available at public and private schools.

In Australia, research has shown that having an onsite school psychologist can have a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of students, staff, and families. By providing early intervention and support, school psychologists can help prevent mental health problems from escalating and improve outcomes for students.

An onsite school psychologist can provide a range of services to support the emotional wellbeing, social functioning, and academic achievement of students. They can work with parents, teachers, learning support, pastoral care, and students to identify and address learning, behavioural, and socio-emotional issues that may be impacting the student’s educational outcomes.

School psychologists can conduct holistic assessments to understand how multiple factors might be contributing to the student’s wellbeing and academic performance. This might involve assessing the student's cognitive abilities, academic skills, and socio-emotional functioning, as well as gathering information from parents, teachers, and other professionals involved in the student’s care. By taking a comprehensive approach, school psychologists can develop a deep understanding of the student’s needs and develop effective intervention.

Based on the assessment results, the school psychologist can then plan treatment and provide care according to best practice and evidence-based methods. This might involve providing individual or group interventions to bolster emotional literacy and resiliency in students. School psychologists can also provide guidance on accessing external service providers for further assessment and treatment if needed.

Overall, an onsite school psychologist can be an invaluable resource for schools. By working collaboratively with associated professionals within the school, school psychologists can help to create a positive and supportive environment that promotes well-being and foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity.

At the school I’m currently working in, we offer a range of Masterclasses for parents and carers to further their resources on mental health topics such as Parenting Big Emotions, Compassion Fatigue for Teachers, ADHD, Anxiety and Depression. These Masterclasses provide an opportunity for parents and carers to learn more about mental health and how to support their child's well-being.

In addition to an onsite school psychologist, many schools offer a range of student services to support the emotional and social wellbeing of students. Pastoral care, chaplaincy, and counselling services are some of the common wellbeing initiatives available in many schools.

Pastoral care

Pastoral care staff typically work to support students’ emotional and spiritual wellbeing. They may provide guidance on issues related to spirituality, and beliefs, and can help students navigate any challenges they may be facing in this area. In addition to providing emotional support, pastoral care staff may also work to build positive relationships with students and foster a sense of community within the school. They may connect with students regarding issues related to a range of concerns such as friendship, grief and loss, and can use strategies such as role modeling, conversation, mentoring, and structured programs to support students’ wellbeing. Overall, pastoral care staff can play a key role in creating a safe and positive school environment that promotes wellbeing, belonging, and inclusivity.

Chaplaincy:

Chaplains also provide a range of services to support students’ emotional and spiritual wellbeing. They may offer spiritual guidance and support, and can provide a listening ear and a source of comfort for students who are struggling with personal or emotional issues. Chaplains may also work with pastoral care staff and other professionals to develop programs and initiatives that promote wellbeing and a sense of community within the school.

Counselling:

Counselling services are typically provided by trained professionals who can offer individual or group therapy to support students’ emotional and social wellbeing. Counselors may use a variety of therapeutic techniques and interventions to help students address issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and relationship difficulties. They may also work collaboratively with other professionals, including school psychologists and pastoral care staff, to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address the needs of the whole student. Counseling services can be an invaluable resource for students who are struggling with emotional or social issues that may be impacting their academic performance and overall wellbeing.

By offering a range of services and strategies to support students’ wellbeing, schools can help to create a safe and positive learning environment that promotes a sense of community to foster students’ academic and personal wellbeing.

In summary,

Pastoral/Chaplain/other student service includes:

Support the emotional and social wellbeing of students
May provide guidance on issues related to religious practices, spirituality and beliefs
Connect with students regarding issues ranging from friendship to grief and loss
Use strategies such as role modelling, conversation, mentoring and structured programs
Help create a safe and positive school environment that promotes well-being, belonging, and inclusivity

A School Psychologist role includes :

Support emotional wellbeing, social functioning, and academic achievement of students
Work with parents, teachers, learning support, pastoral care, and students to identify and address learning, behavioural, and socio-emotional issues that may be impacting the student’s educational outcomes
Conduct holistic assessments to understand how multiple factors might be contributing to the student’s wellbeing and academic performance
Plan treatment and provide care according to best practice and evidence-based methods
Provide guidance on accessing external service providers for further assessment and treatment
Provide individual and group therapy to bolster emotional literacy and resiliency in students

I hope you find this helpful to see how we all work together to see healthy families emerge.