The Interdisciplinary Role of the School Psychologist with Student Drug Abusers

Abstract

The school psychologist functions best as one member of a team working with students who are involved with drugs. Other members of the team include administrators, guidance counselors, teachers, drug educators, physicians, school nurses, psychologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and others, both inside and outside the schools. How well the school psychologist is able to coordinate his efforts with those of the other professionals may determine the effectiveness of his intervention with student drug abusers. The role of the school psychologist is outlined in relation to other members of the mental health team involved with student drug abusers, and common problems are discussed.