Toward a specialized competency framework and recognition of the unique context and role of Australian school psychologists

There has been a call to establish a nationally consistent school psychology workforce in Australia in response to the growing psychological needs of children and young people. Despite educational settings being the dominant practice setting for Australian psychologists after private practice, there is limited research focused on the specific skills and challenges of the school psychology role in the Australian context, especially in regional and remote areas. This qualitative study aimed to explore what specialist competencies are inherent to the school psychologist role and the challenges associated. Thirteen school psychologists with experience in urban, regional, and remote Australian locations participated in the study. Reflexive thematic analysis identified three themes: (a) system symbiosis, (b) pressure, and (c) adapt for longevity. These themes captured the experiences shared by psychologists as they enter the school psychology context and face unique challenges to which to adapt.