School Psychologist vs. School Counselor: Key Differences
Published on: October 30, 2018 | 7 minute read
By: Kristy Pruitt
The fields of school counseling and school psychology share many similarities.
As school-based mental health professionals, both counselors and psychologists work in an educational setting to improve the lives and academic achievement of the students they serve. Both are school personnel who provide counseling services to students, implement programs in their school, and participate in crisis intervention. Both careers also offer opportunities for graduate degrees and further training.
However, despite their similarities, school counselors and school psychologists are distinctly different. Each career comes with different degree paths, training, licensure requirements, and eventual services provided.
Understanding the differences between the two career paths can help better direct your decisions as you evaluate education programs and plan for the future.
Key Takeaways
- School psychologist jobs usually require an Educational Specialist (EdS) degree, a master’s, or a PhD; school counselor jobs typically call for a master’s degree.
- School psychologists support individual students with significant challenges, while school counselors help with general academic services to the entire student body.
- Both school psychologists and counselors make a difference in their students’ lives.
What is a School Psychologist?
School psychologists work in K-12 settings, helping young students through educational, behavioral, and emotional challenges.
These professionals spend much of their time performing academic and psychological assessments, identifying special education needs, and developing support strategies. School psychologists help students cope with a variety of challenges, ranging from substance abuse and violence to learning and behavioral disorders.
How To Become a School Psychologist
The road to becoming a school psychologist depends on where you want to live and work.
For example, to obtain a school psychologist credential in California, you will need a minimum of a master’s degree in Psychology, Educational Psychology, or School Psychology, with at least 60 semester hours of postgraduate work in Pupil Personnel Services (PPS). While some may eventually pursue a PsyD in Clinical Psychology to expand their expertise, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) requires a minimum of three years of full-time graduate study.[1]
Credential programs, such as the EdS in School Psychology, focus on preparing students to provide mental health and special needs services. Whether you pursue a master’s or doctorate, the skills you will practice include:
- Performing assessments
- Carrying out interventions
- Creating personalized education and behavior plans
Students in a School Psychology program will also have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a practical setting through internships and supervised practice. NASP requires 1,200 hours of supervised practice, with at least 600 hours in a school setting.[2]
What is a School Counselor?
School counselors provide academic and mental health support on a broader scale. These professionals aim to create a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students.
School counselors work with K-12 kids in areas of academic achievement, personal development, social skills, and career development. At the same time, counselors may still support students with emotional challenges. As such, a guidance counselor should have a solid background in counseling psychology.
How To Become a School Counselor
In order to become a school counselor, you will need a minimum of a master’s degree in School Counseling, consisting of 48 semester units and a practicum.
Training in a professional School Counseling program focuses on creating positive learning environments, developing and implementing counseling programs for students, and providing guidance through career and academic counseling.
In addition to the above guidance counselor education and training requirements, candidates will need to earn a school psychologist credential by passing some of the same tests as the teacher credentialing process, including the California Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST) test.
Key Differences Between School Psychologists vs. School Counselors
Although the basis of what school psychologists and counselors do is similar—supporting children through struggles—many aspects of these careers are different.
Student Population
School psychologists often work with specific students needing evaluation or encouragement. These may be children who have been hand-selected for support by parents, teachers, or administrators.
While school psychologists often work with select individuals, school counselors usually focus on the entire student population. Though they may still meet one-on-one with students in need of advice, much of a counselor’s attention is directed toward school-wide initiatives.
Scope of Work
School psychologists are part of the school staff and, as mental health professionals, their work often includes:
- Consulting with teachers and parents
- Exploring students’ academic and behavioral issues
- Identifying specific challenges
- Planning interventions
- Monitoring the effectiveness of their efforts
Additionally, school psychologists may work with administrators to develop and implement policies that promote student motivation and engagement, support diverse learners, and create a safe school environment.[3]
For school counselors, job duties can include:
- Planning individual student academic programs
- Offering mental health or school counseling programs
- Working with teachers to develop better classroom management techniques
- Analyzing and interpreting student records
Training Background
Both career paths typically require at least a master’s degree, with other specialty degrees available. However, the course content and training during schooling and internships differ.
The formal education for school psychologists is assessment-focused. Aspiring psychologists learn how to recognize signs of mental illness or difficulties, then develop personalized plans for these students to improve social and emotional outcomes.
In counseling programs, university students focus on early childhood development and academic planning.
For both paths, practical training usually involves an internship in a K-12 environment.
Licensing Bodies
Each state has its own licensing body that regulates psychologists and school counselors.
In California, licensing for educational psychologists is handled by the Department of Consumer Affairs of Behavioral Sciences. This is the same department that regulates licensure for marriage and family therapists, clinical counselors, and clinical social workers.
School counselors are licensed and regulated by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. To become licensed as a school counselor in California, you will have to apply for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPS) in School Counseling.
Choosing Between School Psychology and School Counseling
Ultimately, school psychologists and counselors both help students navigate the difficulties of learning and growing up. If you have a passion for uplifting youth, either option is excellent.
Choosing the right path for you is all about understanding your preferences, learning style, and goals.
You may want to study School Psychology if you are interested in:
- Psychological testing
- Behavioral interventions
- Special education collaboration
- Clinical mental health topics
- Individual student support
On the other hand, you may prefer School Counseling if you are interested in:
- Academic planning
- Career guidance
- Student mentorship
- Large student populations
School Counseling and School Psychology Programs at Alliant University
Whichever career path you choose, Alliant University can guide you there. Our School of Education offers programs in both School Counseling and School Psychology.
All of our School Counseling and School Psychology degree programs are embedded with the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential recommendation, which is required for employment as a school counselor in California’s school districts.
If you are interested in learning more about these programs or about the fields of School Psychology and School Counseling in general, we encourage you to contact our admissions team today.
[1] “California.” National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Accessed March 31, 2026. https://www.nasponline.org/standards-and-certification/school-psychology-credentialing-resources/states/california.
[2] “NCSP Eligibility.” National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Accessed March 31, 2026. https://www.nasponline.org/standards-and-certification/national-certification/ncsp-eligibility.
[3] “Who Are School Psychologists.” National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Accessed March 31, 2026. https://www.nasponline.org/about-school-psychology/who-are-school-psychologists.