Recent publications (i.e., Chodos, 2017;Peachy, Hicks, & Adams, 2013) have made many recommendations for improving access to psychological services for all Canadians but lack a focus on rural and northern (R&N) populations. Limited access to psychologists' expertise is demonstrable in R&N regions, where resources are particularly strained. This article examines the recommendations through the lens of the R&N psychologist, including those that aim to change existing service delivery models and increase funding. The authors highlight the unique challenges (e.g., recruitment and retention of professionals) and opportunities (e.g., a history of maximizing limited resources) inherent to R&N psychological practice in Canada. We also suggest strategic maximization of current resources (e.g., use of technology to reach remote locations, increased use of stepped care models) alongside a much needed increase of overall support for psychological service provision in R&N areas, particularly among Indigenous communities; we strongly encourage cultural sensitivity and local consultation prior to implementation of psychological services within Indigenous communities.

The Rural and Northern Program (R&NP) of the University of Manitoba's Department of Clinical Health Psychology (DCHP) is a unique training and service delivery platform that was developed in response to the scarcity of psychological services in rural and northern areas of the province of Manitoba, Canada. Since 1996 rural and northern-based psychologists, in conjunction with the faculty based in Winnipeg (Manitoba's largest city) have offered training to two interns and one postdoctoral resident (resident) yearly. The current article discusses the nature of the program, the regions of Manitoba that the program services, and recruitment and retention data. The authors conclude by offering suggestions for creating sustainable rural/northern psychological practice.

The purpose of this article is twofold, first to explore the opportunities and challenges of providing psychological services within rural Tanzania, and second to highlight the numerous opportunities for Western-based psychologists who are interested in parlaying their education and training into supporting global rural psychological issues, in countries such as Tanzania. After providing an overview of the status of the current Tanzanian mental health care system, we describe a number of initiatives adopted within Tanzania that are aimed to increase access to rural mental health services, including collaborative practice and information and communication technology use. Approaching the topic from an opportunities and challenges perspective, we explore other innovative strategies wherein psychological knowledge and practices can improve the lives of Tanzanians. Finally, we share how advocacy remains an important aspect of this integration of psychological science, not only among Tanzanian psychologists but through international connections and partnerships.

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Provision of telepsychological services rose dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be a highly sought service (Calkins, 2022; Madigan et al., 2021). With this rise came increased awareness of ethics of telepsychology, new resources, and a push for training to provide competent virtual services. In rural, remote, and northern (RRN) Canadian communities, increased use of telepsychological services translated into greater access in areas that have historically had exceptional barriers to receiving psychological services. However, there has been less conversation regarding cultural competency issues that can arise when psychology services are offered to individuals in RRN communities. Rather, there may be an assumption that these are just smaller versions of urban centers, with no modifications needed. RRN communities present with diverse geographies, economic conditions, and cultures, often differing from each other and urban Canadian centers. This diversity necessitates the mental health clinician practice cultural humility to provide a culturally safe therapeutic setting; however, it can be difficult to be aware of aspects of culturally safe care within the context of telepsychology, particularly if the provider is not familiar with the client’s rural or remote community. This article outlines considerations for providing RRN culturally competent telepsychological services, beginning with defining RRN, and exploring RRN competent practices. We then discuss the regulatory issues of providing culturally informed and responsive telepsychological services to these communities. Finally, we highlight practical considerations for psychologists and trainees working within RRN communities.