In this episode, Andrea Charles and Dr. Ashley Stephens delve into the complexities of providing supervision in rural areas. They discuss the unique challenges faced by social workers, including resource scarcity, legal intricacies, and the importance of mentorship. Dr. Stephens shares her personal experiences and offers valuable advice for new social workers entering the field.

Check out Dr. Stephens Websites:

http://www.swsupervisioncourse.com/

http://www.thecraneandthebull.com/

In this episode, Angelo Sandoval shares his journey as a social worker and nurse in rural New Mexico, discussing the unique challenges faced by rural communities, particularly in accessing social services and dealing with substance abuse. He emphasizes the importance of understanding treatment, the impact of stigma, and the need for community support. Angelo also highlights creative solutions being implemented in his community and offers advice for those seeking help. He concludes with reflections on self-care and the motivation behind his work.

Angelo J. Sandoval is a dedicated and compassionate healthcare professional with a unique blend of nursing and social work expertise. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Angelo has spent his career providing holistic care and support to vulnerable populations.A native New Mexican, Angelo pursued his passion for healthcare and social services through his education. He earned an Associate in Nursing Science from Northern New Mexico College in 2004. He then went on to complete his Bachelor's in Social Work (2010) and Master's in Social Work (2011) at New Mexico Highlands University.Angelo's professional experience includes three years with New Mexico's Child Youth and Families Department, where he served as a Child Protective Service Investigator and In-Home Services Provider. In this role, he worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of children and families in need. Throughout his career, Angelo has demonstrated a commitment to culturally sensitive practice, trauma-informed care, and community-based services. His unique blend of nursing and social work expertise enables him to provide comprehensive care that addresses the complex needs of his clients.

Contact Angelo:

https://lapleveconsultingllc.org

angelo.sandoval@lapleveconsultingllc.org

In this episode, we sit down with Yvette Howard, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of For A Better Tomorrow, DBA Brighter Tomorrow Therapy and Boss Clinician, LLC. With a career dedicated to mental health, Yvette has navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship since 2018, and by 2021, her practice expanded into a thriving group practice, all while pursuing a doctorate in leadership for mental health organizations. She now channels her expertise into coaching therapists through Boss Clinician, LLC, helping them transition from corporate or agency roles to successful private practices. In this conversation, Yvette shares her inspiring journey, her passion for empowering fellow clinicians, and insights into the challenges of rural social work, diversity in the field, and the unique experiences of BIPOC social workers. Whether you're a clinician or someone interested in the mental health field, this episode is packed with valuable advice on niche clarification, marketing, scalability, and overcoming the hurdles of a career in social work.

Contact Yvette Howard for Business Coaching through Boss Clinician @ yvette@profitableprivatepractices.com

https://www.facebook.com/yvette.hwd

In this episode, we were joined by Mamie Gould, an LMSW and hospital social worker in Newport, WA. Mamie shared her experiences working in a border town, discussing the unique barriers and challenges that come with serving a community on the edge of two states and dealing with cross-jurisdictional issues. We also explored the dynamics of working and living in small communities, highlighting both the rewards and the difficulties. Mamie reflected on the close-knit nature of small towns, where relationships are deeply personal, but also discussed how limited resources, cultural differences, and access to services can present significant challenges for social workers in rural settings.

In this episode of Rural Social Worker, Andrea is joined by Elena and Myles, co-hosts of the Me and Tea podcast, to discuss the challenges of rural social work education. They share their experiences as students at Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho, where they learned about rural social work competencies and the disparities in resources between urban and rural areas. Elena and Myles reflect on how the definition of "rural" can vary, particularly in border towns, and how differences in state regulations and resources can complicate social work practice. They emphasize the need for social workers to be versatile and resourceful in rural settings.

In this episode of Rural Social Worker, Andrea Charles talks to Dr. Nancy Rockowitz, a social worker with over 30 years of experience, about her time working in Guilford, Maine, one of the poorest towns in the state. Nancy shares her insights into the challenges of working in rural schools, including building trust with families, navigating a mistrust of social workers, and dealing with the stigma of poverty. She discusses the cultural dynamics of rural communities and how she used empathy and creative strategies to connect with students and parents in a town where resources were scarce.

In this episode, Andrea Charles interviews Daniel Spaulding from the Nez Perce Tribe about indigenous communities' unique dynamics and challenges, particularly in the rural context. They discuss growing up in Lapwai, the importance of culture and powwows, and the significance of hair in native culture. They also explore the need for cultural awareness and humility when working with indigenous communities and the role of historical trauma in mental health. The conversation highlights the importance of connecting clients with their culture to promote healing and resilience. The conversation explores the topics of exposure to grief and its impact on mental health, starting the mental health journey, stigma and cultural barriers, behavioral health services in the community, connection to the land and first foods, traditional Nez Perce practices, enmeshed systems within the tribe, navigating the systems as an outsider, and advice for working with Native communities.

Follow Brown Sound:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/589gSFZUAXCoU0imO1XPy8?si=jhDzUyN3Qqueof3tdP409Q

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brown-sound/id1606974462

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In this episode, Andrea Charles and Katie Johnson discuss the challenges and realities of providing mental health services in rural communities. They explore the unique landscape of rural mental health, including the special skills and knowledge required to serve diverse demographics. They also address common misconceptions and stereotypes about rural mental health. The conversation highlights the barriers to care faced by Medicaid, Medicare, and underinsured/uninsured individuals, as well as the impact of stigma on seeking treatment. The episode concludes with a focus on the specific challenges faced by farmers and the importance of addressing mental health stigma in rural communities. This conversation explores the barriers to accessing mental health services in rural communities, including stigma, limited resources, transportation issues, and a lack of referral sources. The conversation also highlights the creative approaches used by rural providers to bridge the gap and serve their communities. Telehealth is identified as a valuable tool for providing resources and support in rural areas. The conversation concludes by discussing the unpredictability and rewards of being a rural provider, particularly in witnessing significant growth and progress in working with marginalized groups.