About educational psychologists
Educational psychologists are psychologists who work on learning, development and well-being at school: assessment of learning difficulties, ADHD or high abilities, support plans and guidance for families and teachers.
Getting mental health care in the Congo - Kinshasa
The national mental health programme (PNSM) has used the WHO mhGAP approach since 2011 to integrate mental health into primary care, and the Centre neuropsychopathologique (CNPP) in Kinshasa is the reference centre for mental disorders.
What does a educational psychologist do?
An educational psychologist supports children and young people’s learning, development and well-being in educational settings. Day to day they assess learning, attention, behaviour and emotional difficulties, observe pupils in class, write reports with recommendations, and work with families and teachers on support plans. Some also guide students on study habits, school transitions and career choices, or train school staff.
What happens in the first session
The first meeting is usually with parents or carers, sometimes with the young person present, to understand the concern, development, school history and what has been tried. The psychologist may ask for school reports or permission to talk to teachers. Bring report cards, previous assessments, examples of schoolwork, and questions about what the assessment involves and how results will be shared.