Nevada is grappling with a severe shortage of school psychologists, according to the National Association of School Psychologists. The state currently has only one psychologist available for every 2,000 students—well below the recommended ratio of one psychologist per 500 students.
This shortage is evident in personal stories like that of Stephanie Villamor, whose son Velito was diagnosed with autism at Nevada State University’s psychoeducational mental health clinic. This clinic, which serves children up to the age of 21, offers vital evaluations and support to families navigating educational challenges.
Katie Dockweiler, assistant professor at Nevada State University, emphasized that Nevada has fallen behind in training school psychologists. For many years, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) was the only institution offering a training program. Recently, Nevada State University launched its own school psychology program to help address the shortfall.
Katherine Lee, associate professor at UNLV and a practicing school psychologist, highlighted the broader role school psychologists play. Beyond assessments for special education, they also provide counseling, support for educators, and initiatives to improve school-wide mental health.
Currently, the Clark County School District (CCSD), which serves nearly 300,000 students, employs 183 licensed school psychologists. This results in a ratio of one psychologist for every 1,600 students. While this is an improvement from the statewide average, it still falls short of the recommended standard, underscoring the pressing need for additional professionals.
The shortage of school psychologists poses challenges for families in need of support. However, with expanded training programs in Nevada, there is hope that this gap can be narrowed in the years to come.
