How can Educational Psychologists and Social Workers work together to support Children and Young People with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs?

This research explores how Educational Psychologists (EPs) and Social Workers (SWs) can work together with a particular focus on support for Children and Young People (CYP) with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. By examining joint work experiences, this study identifies facilitators and barriers to collaboration and presents a ‘Good Practice Checklist’ to guide EPs when working with SWs in this area. Utilising semi-structured interviews with three EPs and three SWs and analysing the data through Reflexive Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2022), the research highlights the importance of collaboration and the integration of professional skills to recontextualise the behaviour of CYP, alongside conjoint problem-solving approaches between EPs and SWs to create positive outcomes for CYP with SEMH needs. However, the research demonstrates that wider systemic barriers, including service delivery models, time constraints, and limited access to resources, influence the feasibility of such collaborations. The research presents several practical implications for EP practice, including the need for clear communication, the use of technology to improve time efficiency, and the importance of relational practice and interprofessional understanding. Further, the study illustrates the significance of reciprocal knowledge sharing between EPs and SWs and emphasises the need to recognise and mitigate power dynamics in professional relationships. While the research provides valuable insights, it also acknowledges key limitations of the research design and directions for future research are provided. In conclusion, the research contributes valuable insights into the process of joint work between EPs and SWs, offering strategies to improve collaborative practices and ultimately enhance support for CYP with SEMH needs.