Mental health practices of school psychologists

The current literature suggests an increasing need for mental health services for school-age children (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1999; Friedman, Katz-Levey, Manderschied, and Sondhiemer 1996; Costello, Mustillo, Erkanli, Keeler, and Angold, 2003; Kataoka, Zhang, and Wells 2002 and Kessler, Berglund, Demier, Jin, Merkangas, and Walters, 2005). Research indicates that the schools may be the ideal place for children to receive such services. Studies have found that school psychologists do spend some of their time providing counseling, however the time spent on these services is significantly limited (Curtis et al, 1999; Bramlett et al 2002; Yates 2003; and Villarin,2005; and Curtis et al, 2008). While other studies have examined the provision of individual and group counseling by school psychologists, they have not provided operational definitions of what constitutes mental health services. Moreover, a review of mental health services provided by school psychologists has not been conducted since the reauthorization of IDEA in 2004, which may have impacted the amount of time school psychologists have to provide various services in schools. The purpose of this study was to examine if school psychologists currently provide mental health services. In addition this study examined if school psychologists perceived providing mental health services as their role, and their level of satisfaction with their current role and function. A sample of 118 of 1,000 school psychologists from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) listserv completed the survey. The results indicated that, the majority (83.3%) of school psychologists reported being satisfied with their current role and function. The majority (75.2%) of school psychologists also perceived the provision of mental health services as part of their role. While the majority of school psychologists indicated that they provided mental health service, the amount of time dedicated to the provision of services was less than 10% of time per week. The most frequent barriers to providing mental health services were limited time, and the need for additional training. The most frequent barriers for provision of services, by participants not currently providing services were employer policies and procedures and limited time. Determinates of provision of mental health services included training, and employment in areas using Non-categorical classification. Overall, the participants indicated that they did not see any significant changes in the provision of mental health services they provide, since the reauthorization of IDEA in 2004.