RURAL PSYCHOLOGY FACTS AND FIGURES
More resources for secondary school psychology teachers are available at www.apa.org/rural/
Ψ About 60 million Americans (20.8%) live in rural areas ( US Census Bureau: US Population Living in Urban vs. Rural Areas)
Ψ 55% of U.S. counties have no psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker [American Psychological Association (2001). Caring for the Rural Community: 2000-2001 Report]
Ψ Over 20% of Americans live in health professional shortage areas ( U.S. Department of Health & Senior Services, 2004)
Ψ Rural strengths:
Ψ Stable communities
Ψ Strong community and extended family ties
Ψ Rural challenges:
Ψ Rural poverty: 24% of rural wage earners are low wage earners compared to 16% in urban areas ( USDA Economic Research Service, 2002)
Ψ Stigma associated with psychological treatment may be greater in small communities
Ψ Rural clients may have fewer employment opportunities
Ψ High school dropout rates are higher in rural than in urban areas for whites and African Americans, but not for Hispanics ( National Center for Education Statistics, 1998)
Ψ Urban schools spend an average of $4,086 per student, but rural schools spend an average of $3,518 ( National Center for Education Statistics, 1999)
Ψ Food for thought
Ψ What are the challenges for the psychologist practicing in a rural area?
Ψ What are some potential benefits for a psychologist practicing in a rural area?
Ψ What impact might strong communities, rural poverty, less access to higher education, and fewer employment opportunities have on how rural clients experience and handle life stressors?
Laura Schopp, APA Committee on Rural Health
2004
