School Psychologist

Adrianne Turner

Nationally Certified School Psychologist

Fallston Middle School

[email protected]

 

What Is a School Psychologist? 
A school psychologist is a behavioral and mental health specialist who is committed to the application of professional expertise to help parents, teachers, and schools work together for the benefit of the student.  School psychology focuses on the psychological and educational development of individuals in the school environment. The school psychologist enhances the educational process by evaluating the abilities and potentialities of students as well as addressing the emotional and social factors that influence learning.

Who Makes Use of Psychological Services? 

  • Teachers may notice that a child is not learning as well as expected, is often in trouble, does not get along well with classmates, or appears to be withdrawing. 
  • Parents may have concerns about their child’s social, emotional, or educational needs. 
  • Students may have academic, personal, or relationship types of concerns which they would like to discuss in confidence.


What Types of Services Are Available? 

  • Assessment of cognitive and/or emotional/behavioral challenges to assist in development of appropriate educational strategies and programs.
  • Consultation with teachers, staff, and families to assist in dealing more effectively with the mental health, behavioral, and educational needs of students.
  • Direct intervention with teachers, families, parents, or students in order to provide specific services and/or recommending resources to enhance educational, emotional, social, and vocational development.


How Are These Services Obtained?

  • Referrals for psychological services originate in the local school Student Services Team meeting which is held on a regular basis. 
  • Before a child is seen by the psychologist, signed parent/legal guardian permission is obtained. 
  • The psychologist is also available for consultation on classroom, staff, school, and system-wide concerns.