A Qualitative Study of Rural Mental Health Practitioners Regarding the Potential Professional Consequences of Social Justice Advocacy

Practitioners who wish to advocate for clients or respond to larger social justice issues have little practical guidance. Depending on contextual factors, there may be numerous issues to consider before deciding whether to become involved in social justice advocacy. The challenges associated with practicing in a small community amplify the need to carefully consider whether or how to act as an advocate. In this study, eight rural mental health professionals were interviewed about the benefits and challenges of rural practice, experience with social justice advocacy, and perspectives on participating in advocacy about contentious social justice issues. The results highlight how the context of rural community practice affects decisions regarding advocating for clients or responding to larger social justice issues.