School Psychological Services

 

School Psychology professionals play a critical role in schools, providing services to students, teachers, school staff and families. They use their knowledge of child and adolescent development to support the learning, mental health and behaviour needs of students.  School Psychology professionals can help develop optimal learning environments for student success.  They also bring an understanding of school systems, diversity, and equity when supporting school communities.  

 

How School Psychology Professionals Support Ontario Schools: 

School Psychology Professionals in Ontario Schools provide the following evidence-informed Psychological Services to students, staff and parents. Service delivery is responsive to emerging needs and is provided according to the Standards of the College of Psychologists of Ontario. 

The scientist-practitioner training model in School Psychology provides psychology staff with the expertise to translate current educational and mental health research into practical applications for Ontario students and schools.

School Psychology Professionals utilize their culturally reflective and responsive knowledge of child & adolescent development, along with their understanding of school climate & culture.

 

Support the learning for students of all learning profiles, including:

  • Consulting with teachers, administrators, students, and families to provide support and strategies around academic skills, behavior and social/emotional well-being

  • Providing comprehensive psychological assessments, diagnoses and recommendations that can guide programming

  • Supporting in the development of transition and support plans for students

  • Reviewing and consulting on psychological, psychiatric and/or medical assessments

 
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Provide mental health and well-being supports to students, including:

  • Supporting students, parents and teachers with prevention and intervention strategies for mental health, resiliency and well-being 

  • Helping establish daily routines and balance for learning, physical activity, social connection and leisure

  • Supporting students in coping, managing stress, and regulating emotions

  • Providing appropriate psychological counselling interventions and/or referring to community services as needed

 

Provide support through Crisis Response, including: 

  •  Supporting students and families with emerging mental health crises and access to community services as needed 

  • Providing immediate and short-term support during crisis or traumatic events to school communities

  • Provide suicide prevention, intervention and postvention support

  • Participate in VTRA (Violence Threat Risk Assessment) 

 

Support school communities: 

  • Participate in multidisciplinary school teams, to sharing ideas and find collaborative solutions to support all students

  • Advise and direct prevention & early intervention programs

  • Provide professional development to school staff on relevant topics related to learning, mental health, and well-being

  • Develop and implement inclusive parenting programs