Psychotropic Medication Consultation in Schools

Abstract

Assessing, consulting, and intervening with students being treated with psychotropic medications is an increasingly common activity for school psychologists. This article reviews some of the literature providing evidence for the greater need for training in school psychopharmacology. A legal and ethical case study is presented that highlights the complexity of medication issues for school psychologists. Training programs are encouraged to examine current curricular requirements to insure that graduates are exposed to evidenced-based treatments including pharmacological approaches. It is vital that school psychologists examine their own competencies as they work to ethically and legally consult with families and physicians to improve adaptive functioning in school-aged populations.

Key Words:

• Medication
• legal
• ethical
• consultation
• school