Alaska is facing a youth mental health crisis — a situation exacerbated by the lack of services available. In response to this urgent need, UAA will launch the state’s first Master of Science in School Psychology program in fall 2025, with applications opening Nov. 1, 2024.

The program aims to address the crisis by tackling the pressing demand for school psychologists in Alaska. Only nine out of 54 school districts currently employ one, even though the position is federally mandated for every school as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Most of the state’s other 45 districts rely on fly-in contractors from the Lower 48 or itinerant services through SERRC to fulfill the requirement.

“For too long, we’ve relied on contracted professionals from outside Alaska,” said program director and professor Hattie Harvey, Ph.D. “This is an opportunity to train and retain our own school psychologists who understand the unique challenges facing our communities.”

‘By Alaskans for Alaskans’

Although development for the program only began in early 2023, conversations have occurred over the past decade from school psychologists and administrators who have seen a need for an in-state training program. With only two states in the U.S. — Alaska and Wyoming — lacking an in-state training program, the urgency to cultivate local talent has never been more pronounced.

Shaping the curriculum is a 16-member Statewide Advisory Board that includes school psychologists, superintendents and special education leaders from each of Alaska’s five main regions. Their involvement ensures the program is not only academically rigorous but also relevant to the specific needs of Alaska students as well as accessible to working educators across the state. In addition to local input, the ​​program is guided by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Accreditation Standards.

“We’re integrating input from those who know the landscape best,” said Harvey, emphasizing the program's focus on culturally responsive practices. “This program is built by Alaskans for Alaskans.” 

Another key partner is the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, as the program wants to ensure graduates would be license-eligible in the state.

Meeting a critical need

As the need for trained school psychologists becomes even more pronounced, the program aims to equip graduates with the skills necessary to not only address individual needs but also to implement systemic changes in schools across the state.

“School psychologists are essential in addressing the mental health crisis affecting our youth,” said Harvey. “Our program will enable graduates to collaboratively create safe and supportive environments in schools, benefiting both individuals and the broader community.”

Program director Harvey has garnered substantial financial backing, including a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education that will be primarily used for tuition, scholarships, travel and conference support. The funding not only alleviates financial barriers for students, especially those from rural communities but also signifies a broader commitment to improving mental health services across the state. Additional grant support from the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and federal appropriations underscores the program's potential for positive impact.

In conjunction with the new program launch, UAA will also expand the Psychological Services Center to provide vital mental health services for children and adolescents — a broader audience than the center currently serves. With construction slated to start in May 2025 and conclude by summer 2026, the expanded facility will offer students practical training while providing critical resources to those in need. As one example, all students in the graduate school psychology program will be required to participate in a summer assessment clinic that will offer services free of charge to Alaska families.

Building a brighter future

UAA’s program stands out for its innovative hybrid model that combines online learning with essential in-person components. Students will engage in a summer intensive and attend weekend sessions throughout the academic year, making it feasible for current educators looking to advance their careers without disrupting their professional commitments.

The program, housed in the Department of Psychology, will offer 12 new courses alongside existing offerings in psychology and education, covering critical topics such as culturally responsive assessment, school-based mental health and contemporary issues in education, all while emphasizing social justice and community-based approaches.

“We anticipate at least half of our applicants will be current educators who want to grow within their districts,” said Harvey, noting the program’s design reflects a commitment to fostering homegrown talent that understands the unique cultural and social dynamics of Alaska schools. For prospective students passionate about making a difference, this is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of education and mental health in their communities.

“Together, we hope to increase comprehensive school psychological services to benefit all of Alaska's children,” said Harvey.

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UAA’s new M.S. in School Psychology program will launch in fall 2025. Applications open Nov. 1, 2024, with a final deadline of Feb. 1, 2025. Interested students are invited to join program director and professor Hattie Harvey, Ph.D., for an information session via Zoom on the third Wednesday of each month from 4 to 5 p.m.