Digital tools every Child Psychologist should learn

As technology becomes more integrated into education and mental health services, Child Psychologists must develop digital fluency to effectively support students, families, and school teams. From assessment platforms and teletherapy tools to secure communication apps and data tracking systems, today’s psychologists work across a growing digital ecosystem. Mastering these tools allows them to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and deliver timely, student-centered support. Here are the key digital tools every Child Psychologist should be familiar with.

1. Teletherapy and Video Conferencing Platforms

Remote support has become a standard component of school-based mental health services. Psychologists should be proficient in:

• Zoom or Google Meet: For conducting individual or group counseling sessions securely
• Doxy.me or TheraPlatform: HIPAA-compliant platforms specifically designed for mental health professionals
• Breakout rooms and screen sharing features: To facilitate interactive activities with students

Effective use of these platforms ensures privacy and maintains therapeutic rapport in virtual settings.

2. Digital Assessment Tools

Psychological evaluations are increasingly administered or scored online. Essential tools include:

• Q-global (Pearson): For administering and scoring assessments like the WISC, BASC, or Vineland
• PARiConnect (PAR): A digital hub for behavioral and emotional rating scales
• Review360: For behavior screening and progress monitoring

Digital assessment systems reduce paperwork and allow for faster, more accurate data analysis.

3. Electronic Documentation and Case Management

Secure record-keeping is crucial. Child Psychologists should be familiar with:

• SEIS or EasyIEP: For managing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
• EduClimber or Illuminate: For tracking student behavior and academic data
• Google Workspace: For internal notes, case summaries, or form templates (with district-approved security settings)

These platforms streamline documentation, reporting, and interdepartmental communication.

4. Behavior and SEL Monitoring Apps

Ongoing observation is key to student support. Recommended tools include:

• ClassDojo: For tracking behavior and communicating with families in elementary settings
• Panorama Education: For monitoring social-emotional learning and conducting student surveys
• SWIS (School-Wide Information System): For behavior referrals and PBIS data

These tools help psychologists identify trends and adjust interventions early.

5. Collaboration and Communication Platforms

Child Psychologists often serve as connectors across school teams. Effective tools include:

• Microsoft Teams or Slack: For secure communication with teachers, administrators, and support staff
• Calendly or Google Calendar: For scheduling sessions, IEP meetings, or consultations
• Remind or TalkingPoints: For engaging with families—especially those with language barriers

Streamlined communication reduces delays in student support and enhances cross-functional teamwork.

6. Digital Tools for Counseling Activities

Whether virtual or in-person, digital resources can enhance engagement during counseling sessions. Try:

• Kahoot! or Quizizz: For SEL-based games and icebreakers
• Canva: For creating mood trackers, coping skills visuals, or student journals
• Mind Yeti or Calm: For mindfulness and breathing exercises

Creative use of tech makes emotional learning more interactive and relatable for students.

7. Professional Development Platforms

Ongoing learning is part of every psychologist’s growth. Valuable resources include:

• Coursera or edX: For courses in trauma-informed care, ethics, or SEL
• NASP Learning Center: For school psychology-specific webinars and CE credits
• Google for Education Training Center: For learning the latest tools used in classrooms

Staying current ensures psychologists continue to provide high-impact, informed services.

8. Data Visualization and Reporting Tools

Translating insights into action often requires clear visuals. Tools like:

• Google Sheets + Charts: For tracking intervention data and creating visual reports
• Lucidchart or Miro: For mapping behavior plans, progress graphs, or team workflows
• Adobe Acrobat Pro: For creating fillable and secure forms

Visual storytelling helps communicate key information to staff and families more effectively.

Conclusion: Empowering Practice with the Right Tools

Digital tools have become essential for the modern Child Psychologist. Whether managing caseloads, supporting students virtually, or enhancing collaboration, these platforms and resources can elevate practice and improve outcomes. By mastering the right technologies, psychologists can save time, reduce stress, and focus more energy on what matters most: helping children grow, heal, and succeed.