Common Questions

Who is a school psychologist?
School psychologists have received specialized training in both psychology and education.  Their training and skills allow them to work together with educators, parents, and other mental health professionals to ensure that every child learns in a supportive and safe environment.  School psychologists understand that school district procedures and effective teaching strategies are necessary for a child's success, and are trained to help parents and educators and provide the following services:  counseling, consultation, assessment, intervention, prevention, education, research, and planning.  
 
Why does my child need a psychoeducational evaluation?
A comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation is a useful tool in understanding your child's ability level, academic strengths and weaknesses, and learning styles.  The information gathered through the evaluation process will help you and your child's teachers understand how to help him or her achieve success at home or at school.  Academic remediation and interventions can then be tailored specifically to your child's unique abilities.
 
Why should I have my child evaluated by a school psychologist in a private practice instead of by the one at my child's school?
The evaluation procedures used by either the school psychologist at your child's school or by one in a private practice are essentially the same.  We are required to inform you that a wide range of assesment services are available to your child free of charge through the public school system.  However, you may benefit from our experience and flexibility when scheduling appointments.  Due to the shortage of school psychologists in SW Florida, we are often able to meet with your child more quickly and can ascertain his or her abilities with fewer time restrictions, as we offer weekend and evening appointments.
  
Is what we talk about considered confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychologist.     Every psychologist should provide a written copy of his/her confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss during consultations will not be shared with anyone.  This is called “Informed Consent”.  Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your psychologist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
 
However, state law and professional ethics require counselors to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
 
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.