Utah is facing a critical shortage of school psychologists, falling significantly below the recommended ratios set by the National Association of School Psychologists. With an average of one psychologist for every 2,300 students, compared to the recommended ratio of one for every 500 students, the well-being of Utah’s students is in jeopardy.
In the Granite School District, school psychologists play a crucial role in students’ daily lives. Gerry Trelease, the district’s school psychology coordinator, expressed his passion for working with children and highlighted the importance of their role. Rather than being long-term therapists, school psychologists in the district serve as key facilitators in early interventions and connecting students with the necessary resources.
“Our focus is to help students access education,” Trelease explained. “We provide short-term support and if issues are more complex, we refer them to external resources with parental consent.”
Trelease also highlighted a concerning trend of increased anxiety symptoms among students from elementary to high school. While school psychologists do not diagnose these symptoms, they provide support and help students manage them while at school.
However, entering the school psychology profession is not straightforward. Even individuals with PhD qualifications face challenges without specialized training in school psychology. Trelease emphasized the unique nature of their role, which requires knowledge of special education law and education-specific interventions.
Recognizing the obstacles, State Rep. Steve Eliason acknowledged the challenges faced by the legislature in addressing the shortage. He assured that discussions are underway to encourage students to pursue psychology careers, with efforts to expand incentives and promote these professions.
In response to calls for action, Eliason defended the legislature’s efforts, highlighting the numerous bills and significant funding they have already dedicated to the cause. However, he also emphasized the importance of empowering citizens to support their family and friends, as the government can’t do everything for everybody.
The shortage of school psychologists in Utah is a pressing issue that requires attention and action from multiple stakeholders to ensure the well-being of students.