Welcome to Psychological Services

Overview 

Birdville ISD Psychological Services is part of the Specialized Services and Supports Department and includes School Psychologists/LSSPs and Special Education Counselors. These professional staff members serve students who qualify for special education services in BISD. 

School Psychologists/LSSPs 

School Psychologists in BISD complete psychological evaluations to help determine whether a student meets criteria for the disabilities of Autism, Emotional Disability, or Developmental Delay for students ages 3–22 years. In addition, they complete Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and help to develop Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) for students. They provide support to campus staff by engaging in consultation and collaboration to help develop appropriate interventions and supports for students. School Psychologists also provide professional learning and training throughout the district to special education and general education staff. 

Training:  

School Psychologists hold graduate degrees at the masters, specialist, or doctoral level.  Training includes coursework and practical field experiences related to psychology and education.  Graduate coursework is followed by a year-long supervised internship in a school system.  Training develops knowledge and skills in prevention, consultation, assessment, instructional support, crisis management, and research.  In Texas, School Psychologists are required to maintain their LSSP license (Licensed Specialist in School Psychology). 

Professional Organizations & Licensing Board:  

• National Association of School Psychologists - https://www.nasponline.org/ 
• Texas Association of School Psychologists - https://www.txasp.org/ 
• Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council - https://bhec.texas.gov/  

Special Education Counselors

Special Education Counselors in BISD complete evaluations to determine whether counseling as a related service is necessary for a student to make progress on their IEP. They provide direct and/or indirect counseling services when that related service is part of a student’s IEP. In addition, Special Education Counselors are knowledgeable of community resources that are available to families who need them. It should be noted that Special Education Counseling is a related service that targets the specific skill(s) a student needs in order to make progress on their IEP goals and objectives. In this regard, Special Education Counseling is different from other types of counseling or therapy services. 

Training: 

Special Education Counselors hold graduate degrees in Professional Counseling or Social Work at the master’s, specialist, or doctoral level. Training includes coursework and practical field experiences in community care and counseling for individuals, groups, and families. Graduate coursework is followed by supervised internship hours to be completed in no less than 18 months. Training develops knowledge and skills in assessment, crisis management, counseling techniques and theories, and social, cultural, and family issues. Texas requires licensure to be maintained according to the requirements of the licensing board.  

Professional Organizations & Licensing Board: 

• American Counseling Association- https://www.counseling.org/  
• Texas Counseling Association - https://www.txca.org  
• National Association of Social Workers, Texas Chapter - https://www.naswtx.org/  
• School Social Work Association of America - https://www.sswaa.org/  
• Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council - https://bhec.texas.gov/