What's the job of a school psychologist in a high school setting?

I'm thinking about careers in psychology and came across school psychologists. What do they do in a high school? How involved are they with students, and what kind of issues do they typically handle?

School psychologists are integral to the educational community, particularly in a high school setting. They serve a multifaceted role that includes support for students, staff, and sometimes even parents.

Primarily, school psychologists work directly with students to help handle a variety of issues. Many of these revolve around emotional or behavioral problems that might be affecting a student's academic performance or social interactions. They might conduct assessments to identify specific behavioral or learning disorders and provide counseling or therapy for individual students or small groups.

Besides individual interventions, school psychologists often contribute to the broader school environment. They might create and implement school-wide programs designed to improve the overall mental health climate or provide training and coaching to teachers and administrators on how to support students dealing with challenges.

An important part of their role also includes crisis intervention. In situations like a critical incident at the school (like a bullying incident, trauma, or loss), the school psychologist would be involved in coordinating the response, providing immediate support to students and staff, and perhaps suggesting longer-term solutions.

In terms of academic performance, school psychologists might consult on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans for students with special education needs, helping to ensure that they receive the appropriate accommodations.

Their involvement with parents can also be significant, especially when dealing with students who are facing acute difficulties. They might consult with parents about strategies to support their children at home, and could also connect families with further mental health resources or services within the community.

Ultimately, the specific duties of a school psychologist can vary depending on the school and district they're in, as well as the unique needs of their student population. That's a broad overview, and I hope it helps give some clarity!