School Psychologists

  • The Rush-Henrietta school psychologist receives specialized training in education, human development, and psychology. They use a strength-based approach to help identify, monitor and support learning strategies. Your school psychologist serves as a building resource with information about:

    • Legal requirements
    • Local policies
    • State regulations that pertain to student learning and 
    • A continuum of services available in the school, district and the community.

    The school psychologist uses the following methods to help support and empower our students:

    Assessments

    Psychologists use multiple methods to complete academic, behavioral, intellectual, and psychological evaluations as well as lethality and threat assessments. They interpret information and communicate findings and recommendations to families and school personnel. 

    Intervention

    By using information from their assessments, school psychologists develop interventions that are appropriate for the presenting problems. Interventions are focused on areas including academic, coping, self-advocacy and social skills. 

    Counseling

    Using their knowledge, sensitivity and skills, the school psychologist can counsel individuals and groups with a diverse range of needs and backgrounds. They provide mandated counseling for:

    • Students with disabilities
    • Solution-focused family, group and individual counseling
    • Conflict mediation and resolution
    • Crisis intervention, and 
    • Counseling related to trauma, illness and grief. 


    Collaboration, Consultation and Leadership

    By collaborating with school personnel as well as students and their families, the school psychologist is able to convey important data, participate in discussions and actively listen. They serve as the chairperson for annual review meetings for students who receive special education services and those with Section 504 Accommodation Plans. 

    Other important roles include, but are not limited to:

    • Leading functional behavior assessment and creating behavior intervention plans
    • Providing instructional support teams 
    • Participating in initial, manifestation and re-evaluation meetings for students with disabilities, and
    • Leading multidisciplinary team meetings focused on academic and behavioral concerns.