Current Practices and Future Directions in Psychopharmacological Training and Collaboration in School Psychology

Abstract

School psychologists frequently examine children who are prescribed psychotropic medications. With advanced training in psychological assessment and professional consultation, school psychologists may play an integral role in assisting with children’s psychopharmacological treatment regimens. In this vein, this article discusses various ways for school psychologists to overcome barriers to collaborating with physicians including, strategies to overcoming obstacles related to cross-discipline information sharing time or workload constraints, communication challenges, and professional role expectations. Finally, the article discusses ways for school psychology students or practitioners of school psychology to increase their knowledge of pediatric psychopharmacology relative to their current training or experience.