Online supervision: Addressing clinical services in rural communities during COVID-19.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had devastating implications across the globe, especially in rural communities. The virus has impacted physical, emotional, economic, and mental health functioning across populations. Many clinicians have transitioned to telemental health (TM-H) services in an effort to slow the spread of the virus while simultaneously providing ongoing support to their clients. The provision of TM-H includes distinct advantages and challenges for clinicians to navigate. This article describes how online clinical supervision may be leveraged to support clinicians providing TM-H to those within rural communities, especially in the context of the ongoing pandemic. Past research exploring factors affecting, known outcomes, and efficacy of online supervision is summarized as are practical, legal, and ethical considerations associated with the practice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for mental health services and impacted how they are delivered. It has highlighted the utility of both telemental health services and supervision across communities and may be especially impactful in rural communities where mental health services and clinical supervision options are historically limited. The provision of high-caliber telemental health services and online clinical supervision are notable efforts toward addressing ongoing health disparities across communities and moving toward more equitable practices. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)