If you're interested in what makes humans (especially kids) tick, then
a career in school psychology might be for you. You have to like to listen,
solve problems and give advice. And most importantly, you have to want to
make a difference in a child's life.
School psychologists work with children of all ages to help them get the
most out of school and out of life. They help kids develop good study habits,
healthy relationships, problem-solving abilities and coping strategies.
School psychologists work closely with all kinds of children, as well as
parents and teachers. They can help the academically gifted, those with learning
disorders, mentally and physically handicapped children and everyone else
in between.
School psychologists listen. They offer advice. They are trained in one-on-one
counseling and in crisis intervention. School psychologists give mental health
assessments, diagnose learning and behavioral problems, and provide treatment
and counseling. Generally, they help kids get the most out of their time spent
in school.
School psychologists generally work in either private or public schools.
Some may work with children in several different schools and travel back and
forth between them. School psychologists can also work in universities, mental
health centers and hospitals. They might work for community agencies, in other
clinics and institutions and even in their own private practice.
Although they generally work standard office hours, school psychologists
are often faced with deadlines, interrupted schedules and lots of paperwork.
Psychologists must be flexible if they are to succeed in this profession.