School Counselor vs. School Psychologist

School counselors are professionals with at least a master’s degree in school counseling and state certification/licensure in school counseling.

Typical coursework in school counseling includes:

School psychologists are professionals with advanced degrees, such as a masters in psychology, and state licensure/certification in school psychology.

Typical coursework for school psychology programs includes:

In addition to completing an advanced degree, school counseling students also must complete necessary fieldwork, which is commonly referred to as internship or practicum hours.

Every state varies in its particular requirements, and students can be expected to provide anywhere between 100-800 clinical hours providing direct service.

Some states require board exams, proof of professional educator certification, or history of full-time teaching experience. Because of these varying requirements, it is critical for students to carefully evaluate their school program’s coursework relative to the state they seek to practice in.  

School counselors may also receive additional certifications and expertise in specialized areas of interest. All school counselors must maintain active certification or licensure status through continuing education units.

School psychology students also must complete necessary internship and practicum hours, which provides the opportunity to practice fieldwork skills under mandated supervision.

It should be noted that similar to most mental health professions, each state varies in its own particular requirements and exams. Typically, students must complete 1-2 years of supervised practice (up to 1200 hours) and complete necessary coursework and board exams for licensure. All school psychologists must maintain active licensure status through continuing education units.

School counselors promote academic performance and achievement, personal and social development, and overall career planning and development.

Though the central focus is direct services with students, school counselors routinely assess and collaborate on appropriate treatment methods with families, administrators, teachers, and other mental health professionals.

Though not an exhaustive list, typical school counselor job descriptions may include the following:

School psychologists support students, families, and teachers in academic and emotional success. They utilize their professional knowledge in human development and mental health to both identify issues potentially impeding a student’s overall success and find appropriate, working solutions.

Typical school psychologist job descriptions may include the following:

Eighty-one percent of school psychologists work within public school settings, and the remainder work in private schools, hospitals, universities, community agencies, mental health clinics and private practice.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school counselors advocate for students’ academic, emotional and interpersonal needs.

In conjunction with other faculty, they seek to promote a safe and productive learning environment. They may also help students overcome emotional obstacles–these issues can range from behavioral stressors, bullying, or choosing the right college.

Different age groups require different counseling services. For example, a school counselor working in an elementary school may work closely with a student and their parents to create effective study habits. On the other hand, a high school counselor may assist students with locating targeted internships related to their future career goals.

School psychologists focus on improving the learning, social, and behavior obstacles that may interfere with a student’s overall well-being.

They often utilize evidence-based practices (such as research, assessments, and evaluations) in order to best support students. This information may be shared with the family members, mental health staff, and appropriate teaching and administration faculty to collaborate on effective treatment and interventions. School psychologists may focus on influencing and changing school district policy to best support student success.