Private practice opportunities for psychologists have traditionally existed in primarily large urban areas with large patient pools. Little has been written concerning the current atmosphere for psychologists working on a fee for service basis in small towns. Many psychologists are not aware of the growing need and opportunity for private practitioners in small towns in rural America. Psychological Practice in Small Towns and Rural Areas is the key sourcebook on the subject as it reviews the attitudes and needs of the people residing in these geographical areas and considers the benefits and difficulties of establishing a small town or rural practice. A variety of significant topics are covered, including the nature of small town and rural values, the psychologist's lack of anonymity in the town and adjustment and acceptance by the community, coping with the vastly different physical and social environment, ethical and personal dilemmas, ethical principles, community pressures, staff concerns, and husband and wife joint practices. Errors and stumblings to avoid, as experienced by psychologists who have entered rural private practice, are highlighted to make the transition a smooth one. Also covered are the professional and volunteer opportunities for the psychologist seeking out a small town practice and the relationships between professional and volunteer activities. Psychologists who may be considering a change of practice locale for early or after retirement, will find this an intriguing book. Newcomers to private practice, in determining the question of geographical area of practice, will find the information presented in this book helpful, as will graduate students in coursework dealing with professional activities.

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Ethics in Rural Psychology provides readers with theoretical underpinnings, practical applications, and empirically-based knowledge of the practice of psychology in rural communities. Dr. Boilen explores the similarities and differences within and across rural American communities to provide a framework for understanding this vast and varied population. Focusing on the ethical considerations unique to these communities, chapters use illustrative case examples, useful exercises, and personal anecdotes to highlight obstacles unique to rural areas. Finally, the book emphasizes the opportunity to be innovative and creative in rural practice, demonstrating how rural practices hold promise for cutting edge advancements in the field of psychology. This book will serve practitioners, students, and researchers as a primer, handbook, and roadmap for the challenging, and rewarding, clinical work that awaits in rural America.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of mental health in rural America, with the goal of fostering urgently needed research and honest conversations about providing accessible, culturally competent mental health care to rural populations. Grounding the work is an explanation of the history and structure of rural mental health care, the culture of rural living among diverse groups, and the crucial "A’s" and "S": accountability, accessibility, acceptability, affordability, and stigma. The book then examines poverty, disaster mental health, ethics in rural mental health, and school counseling. It ends with practical information and treatments for two of the most common problems, suicide and substance abuse, and a brief exploration of collaborative possibilities in rural mental health care.

Learn the skills you need to work with geriatric populations in rural areas! Gerontological Social Work in Rural Towns and Communities provides a range of intervention and community skills aimed precisely at the needs of rural elders. This book fills a gap in the literature by focusing on the specific practice concerns for social workers assisting older adults in rural areas, including the aging experience, social worker skills, professional functions, working with special populations, and health and long-term care concerns. This valuable resource will benefit social workers, gerontologists, allied health professionals in rural areas, health and human services administrators and managers. Gerontological Social Work in Rural Towns and Communities explores the challenges social workers need to overcome when working with the elder community in rural areas. This book’s significance to social workers will only increase as more adults choose to live and grow old away from the cities. Experts in the field suggest strategies to overcome barriers in planning and providing services such as: a longer distance for the elderly to travel to use social service centers a narrower range of available services in the local area increased poverty levels for the elderly a stronger dependency by elderly on family rather than public assistance This book is divided into five sections: Rurality and Aging—introduces the concept of rurality and examines the demographics of aging from a rural perspective Practice Dimensions of Social Work with Rural Elders—includes clinical practice models, intervention and advocacy techniques, program planning, and marketing approaches Special Populations—gives attention to four special population groups: indigenous elders, African-American older adults, elderly Latinos, and disabled elders Special Issues Pertaining to Rural Elders—covers five essential issues for rural gerontological social workers: health promotion, older workers and retirement preparation, aging in place, specialized housing, and ethical practice Training and Policy Recommendations—future training and education recommendations for social workers are explored, as well as service capacity building, the aging network, and the future of long-term care While a variety of theoretical perspectives are explored in Gerontological Social Work in Rural Towns and Communities, the book’s empowerment orientation and strengths-based approach will enhance your abilities to improve quality of life for elderly individuals in rural communities. Each chapter contains a comprehensive review of the literature on the subject it addresses, and several chapters include tables and graphs to further establish their revealing empirical findings. An appendix provides additional sources to turn to for more information.

ìThe opinions expressed in this publication go directly to the challenges we will collectively face as we enter the 21st century.." -- from the Foreword by Patrick H. DeLeon, PhD, JD, ABPP, Past President, American Psychological Association ìThis volume, through a series of diverse approaches and considerations, has dispelled for all time the monolithic notion that dual relationships are always harmful and should be avoided...remarkable and refreshing.î -- Nicholas A. Cummings, PhD, ScD, Former President., American Psychological Association This book, the first of its kind, covers the clinical, ethical and legal aspects of non-sexual dual relationships. It provides detailed guidelines on how to navigate the complexities of intended and unintended crossings of the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship. Contributors representing various therapeutic approaches and work settings challenge the prevailing interpretations of ethical standards as presented by the American Psychological and the American Counseling Associations' Code of Ethics. Through case examples, they demonstrate how non-sexual dual relationships may result in increased trust, familiarity, and therapeutic effectiveness. Discussions include concerns of rural, military, church, hearing impaired and other small communities; behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, and feminist views on DR; and more. This is a book for all practicing therapists. Appendices contain guidelines to nonsexual dual relationships in psychotherapy.