What does LSSP mean in SCHOOLS

A Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) is a mental health professional who has completed additional training and obtained licensure required by their state to practice school psychology. They specialize in understanding student behaviors and psychological circumstances, designing solutions for learning issues, providing counseling services to students, developing assessments for educational needs, and collaborating with a variety of people within the school system.

To become an LSSP, one must complete a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of course work at the graduate level from an approved institution. This includes at least two courses each in psychological assessment; intervention methods; child/adolescent development; learning processes; individual differences; legal/ethical issues; research methods/statistics/program evaluation; family/school systems/cultural context of schooling; consultation/collaboration with parents & educators; prevention & intervention delivery systems; foundations of special education & programs for students experiencing difficulty; sciences relevant to behavior & mental health processes.

The primary responsibility of an LSSP is to provide assessments and interventions that promote the positive learning environment needed for students to reach their fullest potential. This includes conducting evaluations for eligibility related to academic achievement, emotional difficulties, developmental delays or behavioral disorders. In addition, they may administer interventions such as behavior modification or academic strategies that address problems impeding success and provide guidance counseling to help improve performance or self-esteem.

An LSSP provides individualized assessment, diagnosis and treatment for children's cognitive disabilities in order to identify effective interventions. They can provide short-term mental health support services such as individual therapy or psychoeducational treatment plans tailored specifically for each student's needs. They also collaborate with families, teachers and other professionals regarding program planning and implementation which may include curriculum selection, classroom management techniques along with evidence-based interventions such as social skills groups or team meetings focused on problem solving strategies.

To locate an LSSP near you it is best to search your state's Board of Psychology website where you will be able to get information on qualified practitioners in the area. Additionally searching thedirectoryforallschoolpsychologists.com is another great resource which provides information on educational qualifications held by local practitioners as well as contact information so you can get in touch directly.