School psychologists are uniquely poised to address the social emotional and behavioral health needs of school children and their families. For school psychologists to effect positive outcomes for children, adolescents, and school staff in our schools, we need to determine the capacity of school systems to identify, intervene, progress monitor, and support school psychologists in their buildings.

To do this, our research team developed a brief survey for school psychologists to capture details of the current state of social, emotional, behavioral health (SEBH) professional development in the schools that they serve. It is unclear whether school psychologists believe that they are prepared or know of professional development opportunities to serve children and youth who need mental health support in a timely manner.

The primary goal of this research was to identify the capacity of school psychologists to address SEBH in their environments and to build the foundation for timely and effective professional development. With the continuing school psychologist shortages, it is important that current school psychologists receive the resources and support they need to meet the mental health needs of children and youth and alleviate the crisis currently felt across the state of Iowa.

Project Team

Dr. Ann Santos, Clinical Associate Professor of School Psychology, University of Iowa