School Psychology and Supervision in Australia

Abstract

Clinical supervision is an essential feature of high-quality psychological practice. However, it has been under-investigated within the field of school psychology and particularly in Australia. An overview of the field of school psychology, its clinical supervision, and its use by school psychologists is provided. Past literature has suggested inadequate engagement with supervision among these practitioners. In order to examine current work contexts and supervision experiences, 77 school psychologists were surveyed. Engagement in supervision appears to have markedly increased since the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Continuing Professional Development mandates in 2010. However, the data indicated that further organisational and policy support of school psychologists is warranted.

Keywords::

• school psychology
• supervision
• supervisor availability
• characteristics
• roles
• barriers