School psychologists have expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior. They help students to experience academic, social, behavioral, and emotional success. In partnership with families, teachers, and other professionals, school psychologists conduct special education evaluations, provide consultation, implement targeted and evidence-based interventions, and work to create healthy learning environments.
What School Psychologists Do
MARESA's school psychologists provide a broad range of services to support students, families, and school teams across the region. Their work spans assessment, intervention, consultation, and prevention:
Comprehensive Evaluations
School psychologists conduct evaluations to understand a student's cognitive abilities, academic skills, social-emotional functioning, and behavioral needs. These assessments inform eligibility decisions for special education services and help teams design effective instructional plans. Evaluations may include:
- Cognitive and intellectual assessments
- Academic achievement testing
- Social-emotional and behavioral rating scales
- Adaptive behavior assessments
- Observations in classroom and school settings
- Review of educational records and developmental history
Behavioral Assessment and Intervention
When students experience behavioral challenges, school psychologists help teams understand the function of the behavior and design evidence-based intervention plans. This may include conducting functional behavior assessments (FBAs), developing behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and supporting teachers with classroom-based strategies.
Consultation and Collaboration
School psychologists work closely with teachers, administrators, and families to problem-solve around student concerns. They participate in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) teams, assist with data-based decision-making, and help schools implement effective academic and behavioral interventions at all tiers.
Crisis Intervention and Prevention
School psychologists are trained in crisis response and support schools during critical incidents. They assist with safety planning for students in crisis, contribute to threat assessment processes, and help schools develop prevention programs that promote positive school climate and student well-being.
Mental Health Support
As mental health professionals, school psychologists provide short-term counseling, social skills instruction, and support for students dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, and other social-emotional challenges. They also connect families to community-based mental health resources when more intensive support is needed.
Who They Serve
MARESA school psychologists serve students from early childhood through age 26 (transition-age youth) across the local districts in the Marquette-Alger service region. They work with students who are:
- Referred for initial special education evaluation
- Already receiving special education services and due for re-evaluation
- Experiencing academic, behavioral, or social-emotional difficulties
- In need of crisis support or safety planning
Accessing School Psychology Services
School psychology services are typically accessed through the school's student support process. The most common pathways include:
- Teacher or parent referral — A teacher, parent, or other school staff member identifies a concern about a student's learning, behavior, or emotional well-being and initiates a referral.
- MTSS/intervention team process — Schools implement tiered interventions and monitor student progress. When a student does not respond adequately to interventions, the team may refer for a comprehensive evaluation.
- IEP team process — For students already receiving special education services, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team determines when re-evaluation is needed or when additional assessment is warranted.
- Parent request — Parents have the right to request an evaluation at any time. Requests should be made in writing to the student's school.
MARESA's School Psychology Team
MARESA employs school psychologists who are assigned to serve local districts within the Marquette-Alger region. The team works collaboratively to provide consistent, high-quality services across all partner districts. School psychologists hold the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential and/or Michigan school psychologist certification.
For more information about school psychology services or to discuss a referral, contact your child's school or reach out to MARESA's mental health services department.