School psychologists are experts in mental health and learning in schools.
These are some of our services:
- Counselling, therapy and programs for students and school communities
- Assessments of developmental, cognitive and educational functioning to assist learning plans and educational adjustments for student learning
- Consultation and collaboration with schools, staff, parents and other professionals and organisations
- Leadership, advice and support in response to crises and critical incidents that impact upon students, families and school communities
- Provide advice regarding and implementation of evidence-based group programs for students to
assist school improvement and student wellbeing
Support available
School psychologists have professional skills and knowledge in child, adolescent and school issues:
Development and Learning
- Student presentation across a range of cognitive abilities including disability and exceptional ability
- Early identification of students with developmental delays
- Specific learning disorders (reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, including Dyslexia)
- Strategies and interventions to support targeted literacy, numeracy or extended learning
- Neuro-diversity including Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD) - Social and emotional learning (relationships and social skills)
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
- Anxiety (Generalised Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Attacks, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Depression and other mood disorders
- Self-harm and suicide risk assessment
- Trauma and Attachment Disorders
- Wellbeing and coping strategies
- all utilising current, evidence-based approaches
Behaviour
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder
- Bullying, cyber-bullying and respectful relationships
- Consultation regarding support strategies and risk management
- Follow mandatory reporting requirements for students safety
Access
Access to the school psychologist:
- Generally, students are referred by teaching staff. Parents may need to talk with their child’s teacher or senior staff if they wish to arrange a referral. Older students can self refer.
- Intervention will focus on supporting students’ learning outcomes, wellbeing and participation at school.
- If the issue is not affecting schooling, you may wish to ask your school psychologist about other services available to you.
Confidentiality
- Information given to the school psychologist is kept in a separate confidential file.
- Confidential information can only be shared or released by consent or by law.
Professional standards
School psychologists must comply with national registration requirements of the Psychology Board of Australia under the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and The Australian Psychological Society (APS) Code of Ethics. Senior School Psychologists provide line management leadership and supervision to the School Psychologist staff group.
Where can I get more information?
Learning Services
All schools belong to a Learning Service. These are located in regions throughout Tasmania:
Learning Service Northern Region
Email: Learning.Services.NR@decyp.tas.gov.au
Launceston Office: Phone: 03 6777 2440
Devonport Office: Phone: 03 6478 4329
Learning Services Southern Region
Email: Learning.Services.S@decyp.tas.gov.au
Hobart Office Phone: 03 6165 6466