Defining the rural generalist psychologist: the development and validation of a model of rural psychology practice in Australia

Objective The current study aimed to refine and validate a novel model of rural psychology practice in Australia to better support and develop the rural psychology workforce. A secondary aim was to explore participants’ perspectives of the need and utility of the proposed model in practice.Method A two-round Delphi survey was conducted, via Qualtrics, with Australian psychologists experienced in rural practice. A total of 28 participants completed Round 1 and 22 participants participated in Round 2. Reflexive content analysis was used to explore Round 1 participants’ textual responses related to model utility.Results Consensus was reached after two rounds, resulting in a validated model of rural psychology practice containing nine domains of competence. An overarching domain of The Rural Context was foundational to the remaining eight domains: Clinical Skills, Networking, Cultural Responsiveness, Practitioner Wellbeing, Ethics, Risk, Professional Development and Digital Adaptations. Participants endorsed the need for a model and provided various uses for implementation.Conclusions The current study provides an empirically validated model of rural psychology practice. Utility and clinical implications are discussed, and the model aims to improve mental health service development for rural Australians. International implications are discussed.