The role of educational psychologists in mental health support teams: a multiple case study

This study explores the current and future contributions of Educational Psychologists (EPs) to Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs). Adopting solution-oriented and Appreciative Inquiry approaches, semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted. A multiple case study design gathered the perspectives of eight EPs and 11 MHST professionals across five NHS or Local Authority based MHSTs. Reflexive thematic analysis constructed four themes within individual cases: systemic thinking; bridging systems; containing the containers; and supporting professional development, with cross-case analysis considering transferability across diverse MHST contexts. Findings suggest EPs contribute at multiple system levels, including driving whole school approaches, supporting children and young people’s mental health indirectly through facilitating MHST personal and professional development, and through building bridges between contexts. Future developments include enhancing the sustainability of the EP role and diversifying the MHST workforce to strengthen professional confidence and competence in delivering early, evidence-based interventions, with sensitivity to wider socio-political influences. This study highlights EPs’ potential to facilitate mental health in schools through systemic practices.