School psychologists are highly trained in both psychology and education, completing a minimum of a specialist-level degree program (at least 60 graduate semester hours) that includes a year-long supervised internship. This training emphasizes preparation in mental health and educational interventions, child development, learning, behavior, motivation, curriculum and instruction, assessment, consultation, collaboration, school law, and systems.
School psychologists must be certified and/or licensed by the state in which they work. They also may be nationally certified by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB). The National Association of School Psychologists sets ethical and training standards for practice and service delivery.
School psychologists must be certified and/or licensed by the state in which they work. They also may be nationally certified by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB). The National Association of School Psychologists sets ethical and training standards for practice and service delivery.
Below are links to some documents and guidelines related to the professional conduct of a school psychologist.
National Association of School Psychologists Professional Standards.
New York Association of School Psychologists Ethics and Professional Standards Manual
NYSED Practice Alert on Preventing Professional Misconduct
NYASP Letter on Scope of Practice
SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING MEDICAID
NYSED has affirmed that CERTIFIED school psychologists REMAIN QUALIFIED to provide ALL SERVICES to any student, regardless of Medicaid status.
Districts simply cannot bill Medicaid for services provided to eligible students by non-licensed school psychologists. There have been NO LIMITATIONS placed on the services that a school psychologist can provide.
Unless a licensed psychologist is also a certified school psychologist, they may not automatically work in the schools. Certification by NYSED is necessary.
NYASP continues to advocate for licensure of non-doctoral school psychologists to practice SCHOOL psychology. NYASP believes that the "school" in school psychology defines the specialty area that we practice, not the setting.
Please contact NYASP, at legislative@nyasp.org if you have any questions or concerns.