Is an unlicensed but certified school psychologist providing services in public schools breaking the Psychology Practice Act?

The assertion that an unlicensed but certified school psychologist providing services in public schools is not violating the Psychology Practice Act is accurate because the act contains specific provisions that recognize the roles of certified school psychologists in educational settings.

Within Pennsylvania, the Psychology Practice Act allows certified school psychologists to perform certain functions within public schools, including the administration of assessments and interventions aimed at the educational and behavioral development of students. Their certification provides a framework that permits them to operate within their qualifications, hence not constituting a violation of the law, as long as they are acting within the scope of their training and certification.

This legal framework acknowledges the importance of educational professionals, such as school psychologists, who may not hold a traditional psychology license but are credentialed to provide psychological services that support student learning and mental health in schools. The distinction is critical because it allows schools to employ professionals who have specialized skills that are suited for the educational environment, thereby benefiting students’ academic and emotional well-being.

In contrast, options discussing violations in various contexts do not align with the law's provisions that specifically support the role of certified school psychologists within public schools.