Welcome to the CAMHS Professionals blog, where we explore topics that relating to professionals working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Today, we’re diving into an important question: what is an educational psychologist? If you’ve heard the term but aren’t entirely sure what these professionals do, this blog will help you understand their role, why they’re so valuable, and how they connect with CAMHS.
Understanding the Role of an Educational Psychologist
An educational psychologist (sometimes called an EP) is a specialist who focuses on how children and young people learn, develop, and behave in educational settings. Their expertise lies in identifying barriers to learning and wellbeing, then working with schools, families, and services like CAMHS to find solutions that improve outcomes.
They are highly qualified and are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Their work is grounded in evidence-based practice and always centred on supporting children and young people to thrive both academically and emotionally.
What Educational Psychologists Do Day-to-Day
In practice, educational psychologists play a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and mental health. They carry out assessments to better understand a child’s learning, emotional, and behavioural needs. These assessments often include classroom observations, structured interviews, and psychometric tests.
They also work with children who have special educational needs (SEN), such as autism, ADHD, and learning difficulties like dyslexia. By advising teachers and parents, they help ensure the right strategies are in place to support these children effectively.
Another important part of their work is promoting positive mental health within schools. Educational psychologists often collaborate with CAMHS professionals to design whole-school approaches that strengthen wellbeing and resilience. They also create tailored intervention plans for individual children and provide training sessions for teachers, parents, and professionals on topics such as behaviour management and inclusion.
Why CAMHS Professionals Should Care About Educational Psychologists
For CAMHS professionals, understanding the role of educational psychologists is key to delivering holistic care. Mental health and education are deeply connected when a child struggles in school due to anxiety, social challenges, or undiagnosed needs, their mental health can be significantly affected.
Working alongside educational psychologists allows CAMHS teams to gain insight into a child’s school environment, ensuring care plans are more comprehensive. Together, both services can coordinate interventions across home, school, and healthcare settings, offering families consistent support and better outcomes.
When Might CAMHS Refer to an Educational Psychologist?
There are many situations where CAMHS professionals may turn to an educational psychologist. A child might be underperforming academically because of anxiety or ADHD, or their behaviour in school could be linked to underlying mental health difficulties. Educational psychologists are also often involved in the process of securing an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), helping to gather the evidence needed to ensure the right support is in place. Their expertise can also be invaluable when parents and teachers need practical, evidence-based guidance on how to support a child’s wellbeing in an educational setting.
Final Thoughts: Working Together to Support Young People
Educational psychologists are an essential part of the wider support system for children and adolescents. For CAMHS professionals, understanding how they work and collaborating with them where possible can enhance care and make a significant difference in the lives of young people.
At Camhs Professionals, we’re proud to be the UK’s first and only staffing provider dedicated solely to CAMHS. We connect services with highly skilled professionals who work in partnership with educational psychologists and other specialists to deliver joined-up, effective support.
Are you looking to strengthen your CAMHS team? Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you recruit passionate and experienced professionals who are committed to improving the lives of children and young people.
