Invisible Outsiders: Developing a Working Alliance with Appalachian Clients
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-13-2017
Description
Appalachian clients are often ‘invisible’ within the majority culture and possess characteristics unique to the region that must be considered within the counseling relationship (Tang & Russ, 2007). Individuals in Appalachia have higher incidences of certain mental health disorders and substance use as compared to the national average (Appalachian Regional Commission [ARC], 2008). Although the need for mental health services is evident, limited research exists to inform mental health professionals how to deliver culturally competent interventions to build a working alliance with Appalachian clients. The authors will discuss a framework for mental health professionals to develop a strong working alliance through a review of the cultural distinctions of Appalachian individuals, culturally appropriate counseling interventions, and a case illustration.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Citation Information
Protivna, Jake J.; Pusateri, Cassandra G.; Paylo, Matthew J.; and Choi, Kyoung Mi. 2017. Invisible Outsiders: Developing a Working Alliance with Appalachian Clients. The Practitioner Scholar: Journal of Counseling and Professional Psychology. Vol.6(1). 79-91.