Knutson received the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Excellence in Rural Psychology Award in recognition of his significant contributions to rural advocacy, research and education. Through his Health, Education, and Rural Empowerment (HEaRE) Lab, Knutson provides mentorship for counseling master’s and counseling psychology doctoral students focused on research and advocacy with rural LGBTQ+ populations. His most recent projects include a text- based intervention developed to increase access to mental health services for rural trans and nonbinary people and a workbook for rural parents of LGBTQ+ youth.
Knutson said, “As a native Oklahoman, I grew up with a love for the heartland and the vibrant rural communities that dot its landscape. There is a lot of beauty in rural spaces, but they can also be disproportionately impacted by lack of access to mental health resources, especially culturally competent providers. I moved back to Oklahoma because I wanted to be directly involved in training providers who are at the cutting edge of research and practice with diverse rural populations in the heart of the U.S.”
Knutson spends most weekends helping out on his family’s land outside of Prague, Oklahoma, or on his partner’s family farm near Wellington, Oklahoma. He earned his doctorate in counseling psychology at Oklahoma State University where he now teaches and conducts research. He also holds a masters of education (MEd) in applied behavioral studies with professional counseling and a masters in theological studies (MTS) in theology, philosophy, and ethics. He currently serves as the director of the communications and technology board for APA Division 17 (Society of Counseling Psychology) and as an associate editor for the Journal of Rural Mental Health. He is lead author of the book, Counseling in a Gender Expansive World: Resources to Support Therapeutic Practice and a fact sheet, Parenting Trans and Nonbinary Youth. Knutson is board certified in counseling psychology and PSYPACT certified.
The APA Excellence in Rural Psychology Award is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates outstanding service to rural and remote populations and who exemplifies the importance of psychological advocacy, research, education and practice in these regions. The award was presented to Knutson at the APA Annual Convention in Washington, DC.