Ethics in Rural Psychology

At a time when writers in urban citadels have turned again to describing rural Americans as stupid, lazy, and even as bad people, it is refreshing to see a book that takes the strengths and weaknesses of rural America seriously. Here, we find a balanced discussion of the heterogeneity of rural America as well as valuable insights about the values, dispositions, and needs of its citizens. Robert Wuthnow, professor, Princeton University As we face unprecedented rates of suicide, addiction, and behavioral health issues in rural America, Dr. Boilen's focus on this issue is timely and crucial. As I work with organizations serving rural areas in Montana and beyond to plan their future strategies and services, I see the real-life implications of the trends Dr. Boilen references in action: the challenge of attracting and retaining trained providers of behavioral health services leaves many undiagnosed, untreated, and isolated. Our communities are suffering because of this gap. While we can be proud of our go-it-alone, independent streak, rural Americans can also teach all of us how much we need each other to survive and thrive (as evidenced by the bars, pie socials, and church potlucks that still survive in otherwise struggling towns). I urge practitioners with any connection to rural America to explore and respond to the ethical and treatment considerations in this book; healing and support from providers who understand the unique needs and strengths of rural America, especially as telehealth brings this 20% of the country more in contact with our existing secondary and tertiary treatment systems. Rural America needs you now more than ever. Ned Cooney, MSW, facilitator and consultant to organizations and community groups, Bigfork, Montana