What is a school psychologist's role in addressing mental health issues among students?

The role of a school psychologist in addressing mental health issues among students encompasses a broad range of responsibilities aimed at supporting students' emotional, social, and developmental needs. Providing counseling, interventions, and resources is fundamental to this role because it directly addresses the mental health challenges students may face.

School psychologists are trained to assess and identify mental health issues, implement interventions that promote emotional well-being, and provide counseling services to help students cope with challenges such as anxiety, depression, and social difficulties. They often collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create a supportive environment that fosters students' overall growth and learning.

While facilitating communication between parents and teachers is an important aspect of a school psychologist's role, it is not the sole focus and does not encompass the direct support for mental health that counseling and interventions provide. Similarly, providing academic support or conducting tests for IQ assessment is outside the primary responsibility of addressing mental health issues, as these roles focus more on academic achievement rather than students' emotional and social well-being.