School Psychologist on Psychology

What is your job title, what do you do, and how long have you been working in this field? What is the path that led you to this job?

I am a school psychologist and I currently work in an Orthodox private school with students in grades 4-8. I also teach psychology courses to undergraduate students at Sara Schenirer, and see private clients. I obtained my undergraduate degree in psychology, and then my master's and doctorate in school psychology, and I’ve been working in the field for four years.

Can you explain what a school psychologist does?

A psychologist can do many things. As a school psychologist, I guide individual and group counseling sessions; implement school-wide programs; consult with parents, teachers, and administrators; and at times perform cognitive and academic assessments of students. As a licensed psychologist, I’m able to conduct individual therapy sessions with clients. Additionally, I serve as an adjunct instructor for college psychology courses.

In what area of study did you obtain a degree and how does it inform what you currently do? Can you offer insight into the variety of ways in which your degree can be used?

I obtained a PsyD in School Psychology. I primarily practice with a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) orientation and my instruction in that mode of therapy has been extremely helpful. My education included classes that focused on the practical aspects of counseling and psychotherapy, which are tools I use daily. At previous jobs, I conducted testing and found my training in that area to be very thorough and comprehensive.

Ultimately, much of the learning in this field happens through doing. The schooling to obtain a PsyD is hands-on and practical, with opportunities to engage in assessment, intervention, and consultation. Workshops on specific topics like eating disorders and suicidality are also very valuable. Some other areas of focus in the field include clinical psychology, developmental psychology, neuropsychology, and industrial-organizational psychology. 

Why is a career in this industry valuable?

A career in psychology or school psychology is worthwhile, as there is a vital need for mental-health services across all ages and cultures. If you enjoy working closely with people and playing a role in helping them flourish and succeed as individuals, you may find the field rewarding. There is also value in a flexible degree that can be utilized in various ways. There are many different directions you can pursue with this degree, so switching gears is feasible if you feel like a change is needed at some point during your career path.

What does a day-in-the-life of a school psychologist look like?

As a school psychologist, there are no "typical" days. Most often, over the course of a day, I can expect to conduct individual and group counseling sessions, consult with and update parents and teachers, observe students, attend meetings, and log session notes. Often, however, there are emergent issues to address that take precedence over the to-do list. For instance, situations that could potentially arise include a student reporting bullying or mistreatment, a child having a panic attack, or a student expressing suicidal ideation. There can also be circumstances where a crisis needs to be addressed within the school community, concerning behavior of a student (such as self-harm or disordered eating) comes to my attention, or a student reports that she is being abused.

What are the skills necessary for success in this career and what type of characteristics would be a good fit for positions in this field?

Some of the skills and characteristics required to be an effective psychologist include motivation and drive, especially because the schooling and training can be long and challenging. For me, the process was two-and-a-half years of undergraduate school plus six years to complete my postgraduate degrees including my dissertation defense. It took an additional year to obtain my licensing, so it is important to be committed and have the drive to achieve your goal.

A psychologist needs to be willing to help others, capable of empathizing with people, and able to listen to the challenges clients face and help them cope. It is also necessary, and not always effortless, to separate work from home to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

What is the most rewarding part of the job and the most challenging aspect?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of the job is the opportunity to be that "special someone" for a child who is seeking guidance and support. Some of the most common issues I encounter are social anxiety, test anxiety, generalized anxiety, depression, challenging home life, social issues and needing help with social problem-solving, bullying, eating disorders or disordered eating behaviors, assertiveness training, and OCD management. It can be extremely fulfilling to be a partner in helping a child cope and change the way they think and act to improve their daily functioning.

I am fortunate to work within the Orthodox community aiding children, which is extremely gratifying but also presents some challenges. At times, the work-life balance can become skewed, and lines blurred, since many of the people I work with are also members of my own community. It can also be emotionally draining, and it is essential to have outlets outside of work and people to turn to when needed. When dealing with particularly difficult cases, it takes conscious effort to leave work at work and focus strictly on family life at home. 

What is the job market like? Are jobs easy to obtain, flexible, and well-paying?

From my experience, there are many jobs available for school psychologists. Whether one would like to work in a primary or grade school, private practice clinic, or in higher education, there are a multitude of open positions. Many schools are looking to expand their mental health departments and hire additional psychologists, and the doctoral degree lends itself to adaptability in terms of positions.

In addition, many school psychologists enjoy a flexible schedule since they can opt to do tasks like completing paperwork at home during non-school hours. Those choosing to establish private practice have even more flexibility since they can schedule their sessions according to their own hours.

Can you give an idea of starting salaries in the industry and how one moves up? How is success defined in this field?

The starting annual salary for a school psychologist is currently around $75,000. With a doctorate and license to practice, there are many opportunities to expand responsibilities and advance in the field. There is no one picture of success; some may choose to progress toward practicing privately, but others may elect to stay within the school setting counseling, teaching, or conducting evaluations.

Would you recommend this career to frum women and men? Why or why not? What advice can you give to people interested in this field?

I would recommend this career to frum men and women who feel they would make effective psychologists and find the career rewarding. The path to obtaining a doctorate is long and challenging at times; therefore, depending on where you are in your personal life, it may make more sense to pursue a master's degree instead of a doctorate. Additionally, the schooling is expensive and many in the field find themselves paying off student debt for years. Overall, a career in psychology and school psychology can be very rewarding, flexible, and financially worthwhile. Going into the field well-informed and with a passion for the career is crucial.