School Psychology in Nova Scotia

Abstract

Registration as a psychologist in Nova Scotia can be at the master’s or doctoral level; however, the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology has announced a move to the doctoral degree as the entry-level to practice. Many school psychologists in Nova Scotia practice at the master’s level; therefore, this change could affect school psychology training and practice. School psychologists in Nova Scotia have indicated that they wish to expand their roles to include more intervention and consultation, and teachers have also indicated that they would like more access to psychologists in their schools. Given recent calls to increase access to mental health services for children and youth, school psychologists could play an important role in service provision in this province. The move to doctoral-level registration may provide the impetus to begin important conversations about role expansion for school psychologists.