Rural psychology and the COVID-19 pandemic: Highlighting strengths and future directions.

Public Significance Statement Rural mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic have not been widely discussed within the existing literature. Challenges and strengths specific to rural Canada are reviewed within the context of COVID-19 with recommendations for future directions provided to the reader. These recommendations are important for practitioners and policymakers to consider, as they provide future directions for policy development. Recommendations include ensuring mental health policies and practices implemented in rural and remote communities maintain a rural perspective. The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically impacted Canadians' mental health, including those who live in rural areas. Rural psychologists have long faced unique challenges associated with practice related to accessibility, isolation, and technology. They also have extensive experience in practicing with flexibility, creativity, and complex ethical considerations such as competency (generalist vs. specialist, cultural competence vs. content competence). Therefore, they may have adapted relatively rapidly to the dramatic changes that came along with the pandemic and be well positioned to lead their urban colleagues and organizations as we move forward. Whereas new and pre-existing challenges have been exacerbated by the pandemic, strengths of rural psychologists (e.g., managing geographical isolation, familiarity with telehealth) have emerged. This article looks at the strengths embedded in rural psychology that facilitated service provision during the pandemic. It also reviews future directions to build upon within the rural Canadian context.