An Exploration of Rural School Mental Health Professionals’ Workforce Needs Post-COVID-19

Abstract Although school-based mental health services are especially crucial in rural areas, rural school mental health (SMH) providers face a myriad of challenges, raising concerns about burnout and workforce retention. This qualitative study explores the post-COVID-19 pandemic needs, challenges, and supports of rural SMH providers and examines how working in a rural setting influences their practice. Interviews were conducted with 15 SMH professionals working in rural areas across one southeastern state. Findings underscore the scarcity of resources in rural schools and communities that influence SMH providers’ practice and reveal that participants’ challenges and needs are tied to three stakeholder groups: (1) parents and families, (2) school staff and other SMH professionals, and (3) community partners. Supports for these SMH providers working in rural school communities included telehealth and adopting a positive mindset and outlook. Implications for research and practice initiatives aimed at identifying and addressing the needs of rural school social workers and other SMH practitioners are discussed.