iv TPC Digest Kaprea F. Johnson, Alexandra Gantt-Howrey, Bisola E. Duyile, Lauren B. Robins, Natese Dockery Career Counselors Addressing Social Determinants of Mental Health in Rural Communities Social determinants of mental health (SDOMH) are nonclinical circumstances and factors which impact individual and community mental health outcomes. According to the Healthy People 2030 framework, SDOMH encompass five domains: economic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and cultural context. SDOMH can impact individuals’ abilities to access, obtain, and maintain employment; it is therefore important for career counselors to understand the impacts of SDOMH on employment issues. Examples of SDOMH-related challenges faced by individuals in rural communities include lack of available public transportation, fewer employment and educational opportunities, and fewer economic resources. With approximately 15% of the United States population residing in rural communities, there is ample opportunity for employment counselors to 1) become aware of SDOMH, 2) learn how to respond to SDOMH challenges, and 3) practically respond to SDOMH challenges in rural communities. This conceptual article details the relationships between the SDOMH domains and employment, providing evidence-based recommendations for integrating SDOMH into practice through the Rural Community Health and Well-Being Framework. The Rural Community Health and Well-Being Framework strategically builds upon community resilience and identifies economic, social, and environmental factors that are seen as essential components of health in rural communities. This comprehensive framework centers the needs of rural communities and provides direction for assessing and addressing SDOMH that impact employment and overall well-being. This framework will assist in uncovering employment issues and barriers faced by individuals within rural communities. Using this framework to assess SDOMH conditions will aid in developing employment and mental health interventions that are socially conscious and address root causes of unemployment and poor mental health. Overall, this framework provides a model for assessing and addressing SDOMH in rural communities. Practical areas of engagement and response for career counselors addressed in this article include assessment of SDOMH, systems-level advocacy efforts, individual-level action with clients, policy considerations, and collaborative and consultation efforts. Kaprea F. Johnson, PhD, LPC, is a professor and Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Development & Recognition at The Ohio State University. Alexandra Gantt-Howrey, PhD, LPC (ID), is an assistant professor at Idaho State University. Bisola E. Duyile, PhD, LPC, CRC, is an assistant professor at Montclair State University. Lauren B. Robins, PhD, is a clinical assistant professor and distance learning coordinator at Old Dominion University. Natese Dockery, MS, NCC, LPC, CSAM, is a licensed professional counselor and doctoral student. Correspondence may be addressed to Kaprea F. Johnson, The Ohio State University, 1945 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43210, johnson.9545@osu.edu.
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