Exploring Competencies and Skills of Australian Rural Psychologists

BACKGROUND: The ratio of psychologists to the population is vastly lower in rural communities compared to urban areas, and more clinicians are critically needed in rural Australia. Other health disciplines have implemented generalist frameworks and training to encourage and prepare clinicians to remain in rural practice. Research often references rural psychology practice in conjunction with the broader allied health discipline. OBJECTIVE: Though prior research has identified skills needed for rural psychology practice, further research is needed to expand and update the current understanding of rural psychology competencies. Therefore, the current study explored the competencies and skills used by rural psychologists. METHODS: Qualitative interviews with 15 rural psychologists from across Australia were conducted and analysed using a reflexive thematic approach. RESULTS: Participants spoke of the unique skills required to manage the challenges of rural practice, identifying eight thematic competencies: clinical skills, networking, cultural responsiveness, practitioner wellbeing, ethics, risk, professional development and telehealth. CONCLUSION: Themes highlighted the need for a discipline-specific approach to supporting rural psychologists in practice. Applications of this research, particularly towards supporting and retaining psychologists in rural Australia, are discussed.