THE ROLE OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY ALUMNI IN SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine how Middle Tennessee State University’s school psychology alumni are utilizing skills related to NASP graduate training standards 2.4 and 2.6. These training standard focus on skills a school psychologist have to provide school-based mental health services. Participants included 48 MTSU school psychology alumni who answered online survey questions about barriers, stressors and resiliency strategies related to providing mental health related services in schools. Results showed that MTSU’s school psychology alumni spend less than 50% of their 40-hour work week in the field utilizing skills taught related to NASP graduate training standards 2.4 and 2.6. Respondents reported a higher barrier rating for time-consuming role responsibilities in providing traditional services (e.g., academic assessments and interventions) than from district, building and personal factors. Results did not show a relationship between stressors and years of experience or a difference between internal and external protective factors.