There are many factors that contribute to increased rates of multiple relationships in rural practice. Although limited availability of mental health practitioners and access difficulties are the most commonly cited factors, characteristics of rural communities and characteristics of psychologists who practice there may also promote the likelihood of these relationships. These characteristics may consequently promote acceptance of multiple relationships. This article addresses some of the unique aspects of rural practice and provides strategies for evaluating, preventing, and managing multiple relationships in rural practice.

If a patient adheres to religious values and practices, should the treating psychologist get input from a clergyperson? How frequent is clergy-psychologist collaboration? What obstacles impede such collaboration? An exploratory survey questionnaire was sent to 200 clergy, 200 psychologists interested in religious issues, and 200 psychologists selected without regard to religious interests or values. Four themes were assessed: types of collaborative activities, frequency of collaboration, obstacles to collaboration, and ways to enhance collaboration. Strategies for promoting clergypsychologist collaboration include challenging unidirectional referral assumptions, building trust through proximity and familiarity, and considering the importance of shared values and beliefs. When did you last reflect on the range of other professionals with whom you have regular contact? Who was on the list? Other psychologists, a couple psychiatrists, a few social workers, some teachers (if you work with children), and some primary care physicians-and maybe some nurses? Any clergy? The professional practice of psychology has changed over past decades, and the amount of professional collaboration has expanded (

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Should the profession of psychology more carefully and intentionally evaluate the moral character and personal fitness of applicants for graduate school admission and state licensure? Although lawyer applicants for bar admission have been screened on the basis of character and fitness for nearly 50 years, professional psychology devotes only cursory attention to such standards. The purpose of this article is to use the legal profession's approach to character and fitness screening as an exemplar for professional psychology. The authors recommend development of national standards that are based on the essential characteristics of practicing psychologists and offer a preliminary list of minimal character and fitness requirements. By collaboratively and proactively working to ensure high character and fitness standards, graduate programs and licensing boards will simultaneously protect consumers and the public image of psychology.

American Psychological Association accredited psychology internship training programs (N ϭ 407) were surveyed concerning their attitudes, beliefs, and practices with regard to outcome assessment measures. Results indicated that 47% of surveyed sites use outcome measures for assessment, and 66% used these measures for diagnostic purposes. In addition, 79% of respondents supported using outcome assessment measures to evaluate client progress, 61% supported training interns in the use of outcome assessment measures, and 87% felt outcome assessment measures would increase in importance in the future. The discrepancy between support for outcome assessment measures and actual use is discussed and recommendations provided.