four students sitting on grass reading

Psychologists

School Psychologists

School psychologists are school employees who help students succeed academically, socially and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents and other professionals to create safe, healthy and supportive learning environments for all students and find effective solutions to learning and behavior problems.

School psychologists are highly trained in both psychology and education. They work to find the best solution for each student and situation by using evidence-based research to develop and recommend effective interventions. They also develop programs to train teachers and parents regarding effective teaching and learning strategies; effective techniques to manage behavior at home and in the classroom; working with students with disabilities and special talents; and preventing and managing critical incidents.

School psychologists evaluate students’' processing skills, aptitude for learning and social-emotional functioning to determine eligibility for special education services. School psychologists provide individual and group counseling to help resolve personal or interpersonal problems that interfere with school performance. They also provide direct services to students and school staff to manage incidents such as death, illness or community trauma.

What school psychologists do

  • Conduct psychological and academic assessments

  • Individualize instruction and interventions

  • Monitor student progress

  • Assess student emotional and behavioral needs

  • Provide individual and group counseling 

  • Reinforce positive coping skills and resilience

  • Make referrals to coordinate community services provided in schools

  • Support social and emotional learning

  • Provide crisis intervention and intervention services

Community Counseling Agencies and Family Resource List in Chesterfield County

Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) maintains an open list for parents of public and private mental health and counseling service providers. The placement on the CCPS list does not serve as an endorsement or recommendation of the listed providers. Furthermore, placement on the provider list is not an acknowledgement of an individual service provider’s qualifications, experience, or overall quality. The CCPS list is a referral document offered by the school division for the convenience of our students and families. All financial arrangements remain between the family and the individual service provider. CCPS shall not be liable for damages and/or costs of any nature arising from the use of this list and/or for the mental health or counseling services obtained from providers on the list.