Psychology AT FHSU Answering the call for mental health professionals by BOYCE DURR
photography by TREVER ROHN
M
ental health professionals are in high demand nationwide. While this is true in almost every state and all types of communities, the smaller rural communities like those in western Kansas are particularly vulnerable to shortages. It has become so difficult to find treatment in many rural communities that professionals have begun referring to some areas as “mental health deserts.” Rural areas have a broad range of needs, including marriage and family therapists, psychologists, mental health counselors, social workers, and school counselors, to name just a few. The Department of Psychology in Fort Hays State University’s College of Health and Behavioral Sciences is taking steps to meet these needs by graduating students in one of the most popular college majors and connecting them with employment opportunities. This year, the department began an ROAR
| 26 |
FALL/WINTER 2021
internship program for undergraduates where they can work with various potential future employers. Currently, they have nine partners: the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Early Childhood Connections, Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, FHSU’s Health and Wellness Services, KVC, Hays Middle School, Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Smoky Hill Foundation for Chemical Dependency, and La Crosse High School. While many undergraduate students find it possible to begin working right after graduation, others continue their studies working toward master’s degrees, various certifications, or even PhDs. This issue features three individuals who have received at least one degree from the psychology department at FHSU and are working toward filling vital roles in mental health and related fields.
