Description

The presentation focuses on the challenges and solutions related to providing mental healthcare in rural areas. Additionally, the presentation will offer a comprehensive examination of the complexities of rural mental healthcare, including access and stigma, barriers to treatment, and integrated care approaches. Innovative approaches to address these challenges and promote mental well-being in rural communities will be explored. 

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this training, you will be able to:

•  Define the objectives to address particular aspects of rural mental healthcare in KY, such as increasing awareness, reducing stigma, improving access, and overcoming treatment barriers. 
• Describe and explain the key components and benefits of integrated care models in rural mental healthcare.
• Examine and reflect on stigma-related beliefs about mental health in rural communities in order to demonstrate increased positive attitudes and support-seeking perspectives.
• Analyze and advocate for strategies that reduce treatment barriers for rural populations through policy and resource allocation efforts. 

Delivery Method
Synchronous interactive distance (live virtual) 

Cost
$20

Credit Hours
1.0 (ACE)

Accreditation

University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/25-9/29/28. Social workers completing this course receive 1.0 general continuing education credits.   

Instructor

Dr. Robyn Napier

Dr. Robyn Napier, DBH, LCSW, brings over 26 years of social work experience, specializing in integrated behavioral health in rural primary care for more than a decade. She partners with community organizations and physicians to advance integrated mental health care. 

She currently serves as full-time Clinical Faculty at UK COSW, where she has taught part-time since 2011. 

Her psychotherapy expertise includes CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused, Acceptance & Commitment, and Brief Therapy. During her clinical career, Dr. Napier has been involved in research endeavors.  

Her clinical interests span from mood disorders, suicidality prevention, chronic pain, substance abuse, integrated behavioral healthcare, ADHD, Autism, childhood trauma, and co-occurring health conditions. 

In addition to her passion for educating the next generation of future social work clinicians, she maintains a small private behavioral health practice, Behavioral Health Insights, LLC, where she provides telehealth psychotherapy, training, and clinical supervision for CSWs seeking supervision. 

Dr. Napier earned her DBH from Arizona State University, MSW from the University of Louisville, and BSW from Morehead State University. 

Based in Hyden, Kentucky, Dr. Napier serves her Appalachian community with dedication. She enjoys the outdoors, travel, and volunteering, and lives with her husband and two daughters. 

How to Claim Credit
You must attend the training in its entirety and complete an evaluation form.  Attendance will be verified using Zoom attendance reports. 

Cancellation/Refund Policy
If this course is canceled, you will be contacted and given the option of a full refund, or course credit to be used within 1 year.

Questions
Contact Christina.Krantz@uky.edu with any questions regarding this course, registration assistance or to request accommodations.