What is a key differentiator between school counselors and school psychologists?

The distinction that school counselors primarily focus on academic issues is a significant differentiator between the roles of school counselors and school psychologists. School counselors are typically trained to provide guidance and support related to students' academic performance, course selection, and overall educational development. They emphasize helping students set achievable academic goals, navigate school systems, and develop skills for academic success.

In contrast, school psychologists are trained to address a broader range of issues, including psychological assessments, cognitive testing, and interventions related to emotional and behavioral problems. While they can also address academic needs, their focus extends to identifying and supporting students with learning disabilities, mental health concerns, and other psychological challenges that may affect a student's ability to learn.

This differentiation in focus and training enables school counselors to provide specific support in academic contexts, while school psychologists approach issues from a more psychological and developmental perspective. This means that while they overlap in some areas, each role has unique responsibilities tailored to the needs of students.