If you are a parent or an educator concerned about a child's academic, behavioral, or social/emotional struggles, you may be wondering what a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) is and how they can help. In short, an LEP is a professional who specializes in the assessment and treatment of learning and behavioral issues in children and adolescents.
To become an LEP, an individual must hold a degree and credential to practice as a school psychologist and meet additional criteria including multiple years of experience and passing a licensing exam from the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to practice privately outside of the school setting. LEPs must also complete continued education to maintain their license. Given their background as school psychologists, they are well-versed in the assessment and treatment of educational and emotional issues that can impact a child's ability to learn and thrive in school. They are also extremely knowledgeable about the educational system.
LEPs work in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, and private practice. They may provide psychological evaluations and assessments to help identify learning disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD, developmental delays, and other issues that can affect a child's academic success. They may also provide counseling and therapy to children and families to address these issues and develop strategies for success.
If you are concerned about a child's academic, behavioral, or social/emotional struggles, an LEP may be able to provide valuable insight and support. A distinct difference between a child psychologist and an LEP is that LEPs have experience with assessing students under CA educational code and federal eligibility criteria for special education (under an Individualized Education Program) as well as eligibility criteria for Section 504 Accommodation Plans, in addition to being able to diagnose psychological disorders using the DSM-5-TR as it relates to a student's learning. LEPs can help identify issues that may be impacting a child's academic success and work with families and educators to develop strategies and plans for overcoming these challenges. If you think your child may benefit from the services of a Licensed Educational Psychologist, please reach out for more information.
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