Introduction to School Psychology

School psychology is a unique profession that merges expertise in a variety of areas, including mental health, education, and learning and instruction, all in the service of supporting youth, families, schools, and communities. This chapter provides an overview of the field of school psychology and identifies major professional organizations representing the interests of school psychologists. It also introduces the National Association of School Psychologists’ Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services (NASP Practice Model), which describes 10 major domains of school psychology practice. Finally, this chapter highlights the integral linkages between school psychology and social justice, noting that the former cannot be practiced effectively without intentionally centering the latter.