Vermont Association OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS |
The independent/private practice of psychology requires a license from the Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners. Vermont state law is clear on this. The independent practice of psychology is regulated by The Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners. With the authority of the Office of Professional Regulations and administered by the Vermont Secretary of State, the Board of Psychological Examiners includes a panel of licensed professional psychologists with specific knowledge of psychology practice, including legal, ethical, and professional standards, and provides for the protection of the public. The Board of Psychological Examiners regulates the practice of licensed psychologists in all settings in Vermont. Even when practicing within a school setting, the Board of Psychological Examiners regulates the practice of licensed psychologists. This point has nothing to do with psychologist-doctorate, psychologist-masters, clinical, etc., it is an issue regarding the regulation of practice, and the protection of the public.
When an agency of education credentialed school psychologist is employed by a school, even on a contractual basis, the school and school district are responsible for the work of their employees, and provide for more general protections. The agency of education credential is for school employment however, and is not for independent practice. As specified by the Vermont Standards Board for Professional Educators and printed on the Agency of Education school psychology license: "This certifies that the person named is qualified for professional employment in the Vermont schools". The licensing division of the agency of education does not have a psychology board to specifically regulate the practice of psychology, it's authority does not extend into the private sector or outside the scope of pre-K-12 Vermont schools, and has no authority to protect the public from an unregulated provider. Moreover, the licensing division of the agency of education has no interest in regulating independent psychology practice, as there is already a Board of Psychological Examiners that is specifically for this purpose in Vermont.
The Board of Psychological Examiners regulates the independent practice of licensed psychologists in ALL SETTINGS, including schools, hospitals, clinics, prisons, private practice, etc. If a psychologist of any specialty intends to practice independently, a license from the Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners is required. Professional licensure protects public health, safety, and welfare by assuring that qualified applicants are licensed to practice independently. The Board of Psychological Examiners also investigates unprofessional conduct when complaints are received, the board holds hearings and decides cases when unprofessional charges have been filed, and the board determines what and if any sanctions are required when violations of statutes or rules have been proved. The agency of education educators' license is not a credential for the independent practice of psychology.