Who are School psychologists :

School psychologists help children and young people succeed academically, socially and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents and other professionals to create safe, healthy and supportive learning environments for all students that strengthen connections between home and school.

School psychologists are highly trained in both psychology and education. They must complete a minimum of a Master’s degree program that includes a year-long internship and emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, school organization, learning styles and processes, behavior, motivation and effective teaching.
International school psychologists must be certified and/or licensed by their country of origin and have this certification recognized in their working country.

What School Psychologists do:

School psychologists work to find the best solution for each student and situation and use different strategies to address student needs and improve school systems.
School psychologists work with students individually and in groups. 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 who have disabilities or with special talents, abuse of drugs or other substances and preventing and managing crises.

In addition, most school psychologists provide the following services:

Consultation

Collaborate with teachers, parents and administrators to find effective solutions to learning and behavior.

1. Help others understand child development and how it affects learning and behavior
2. Strengthen working relationships between teachers, parents and service providers in the community e.g Psychiatrists, family counselors.

Evaluation

1. Evaluate the need for special learning support.
2. Assess academic skills and aptitude for learning
3. Determine social-emotional development and mental health status
4. Evaluate learning environments

Intervention

1. Provide psychological counseling to help resolve interpersonal or family problems that interfere with school performance
2. Work directly with children and their families to help resolve problems in adjustment and learning
3. Provide training in social skills and anger management.
4. Help families manage crises such as death, illness or community trauma.

Prevention

1. Design programs for children at risk of failing at school
2. Promote tolerance, understanding and appreciation of diversity within the school community
3. Develop programs to make schools safer and more effective learning environments
4. Collaborate with school staff and community agencies to provide services directed at improving psychological and physical health
5. Develop partnerships with parents and teachers to promote healthy school environments.

Typical Problems that school psychologists deal with:
-   Anxiousness about going to school

1. Difficulty in organizing time effectively
2. The lack of effective study skills
3. Lack of self-discipline
4. Worry about family matters such as divorce or health problems
5. Feeling depressed or anxious
6. Experimentation with drugs or alcohol
7. Thoughts about suicide
8. Worry about sexuality
9. Questioning their own aptitudes or abilities.

An invitation :

The school psychologists at Ruamrudee extend an invitation to students, teachers, parents and community members to consult with them over any issues that are of concern to their families.