Psychological and Social Services is a unique department within the Dallas Independent School District serving students who are experiencing significant social, emotional, or academic difficulties. We work primarily with general education students within a Response to Intervention (RtI) model. Psychological and Social Services is comprised of Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSP), Masters level Social Workers (LMSW and LCSW), and Visiting Teachers who are assigned to each school campus. On those campuses, staff provides consultation to administrators and staff concerning the development of strategies and interventions to remove barriers to learning and assist students in maximizing their learning potential. They sit on Student Support Teams and work with parents to assist students experiencing significant difficulties.

Psychological and Social Services also provides crisis intervention services for the school district. Responding teams assist the school return to normal functioning as soon as possible following the death/injury of a student or staff member, or any event that significantly disrupts the course of instruction. Grief counseling is provided for students and staff as well as support to the families and the communities. Staff is also consulted by the counseling staff following suicide risk assessments and risk of violence assessments.

The Homeless Education Program supports homeless students and their families through the funding of the McKinney-Vento Act. Staff provide technical assistance to school administrators, as well as support and counseling services to the children and families.

Psychological and Social Services has an APA-approved internship for pre-doctoral school psychology students as well as a masters level internship program for LSSP's.