Rural-Informed Behavioral Health Interventions Training

Thursday, February 12, 2026
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Online via Zoom

Rural-Informed Behavioral Health Interventions

• Identify core components of rural-informed clinical practice and how they differ from traditional intervention models designed for urban or suburban settings.
• Apply culturally responsive and context-specific intervention strategies that address the unique stressors, strengths, and social dynamics present in rural communities.
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt evidence-based treatments to fit rural settings, including considerations related to accessibility, stigma, confidentiality, and community interdependence.
• Review common barriers to care in rural environments and modify intervention delivery to support continuity and effectiveness.
• Use case-based scenarios to practice tailoring interventions for rural individuals, families, and systems, highlighting ethical dilemmas and pragmatic resource constraints.
• Assess the role of informal support networks—such as faith communities, multi-role professionals, and local leaders—in treatment planning and client stabilization.
• Incorporate telehealth and hybrid service models effectively and safely in rural practice to improve access and maintain therapeutic connection. 8) Develop a plan for ongoing cultural attunement that includes local engagement, reflective practice, and monitoring for drift back to urban-centric assumptions.

Meet Your Presenter:
Darcie Davis-Gage, PhD, LMHC

Dr. Darcie Davis-Gage is a licensed mental health counselor, counselor educator, and consultant with over 20 years of experience in behavioral health and is the Director of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Center Rural Behavioral Health at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Her other leadership roles have included work as the Chair of Graduate Faculty and Program Coordinator of Counseling at University of Northern Iowa, and leadership roles in community and campus advisory boards and non-profit organizations. Dr. Davis-Gage actively collaborates in numerous interdisciplinary research and grant endeavors and frequently publishes and presents nationally and internationally on compassion fatigue, rural health and wellness, and occupational trauma. Dr. Davis-Gage founded the Tenacity Institute for First Responders in response to the rising mental health needs of volunteer first responders in rural communities. She also serves as the clinical consultant for Hero Haven, a non-profit agency providing support to rural volunteer firefighters and first responders. She remains clinically active and has completed numerous evidence-based treatment programs for treating trauma and post-traumatic stress.

Register Today

Not able to attend February 12th? 
Register for the recorded session and a link to view the recorded session will be emailed to you after the February 12th training.

Rural-Informed Behavioral Health Series Information:
This training is part of a three-session Rural-Informed Behavioral Health Series.  To attend all three sessions, register here. 

Registration Questions: Email workforce@mnsu.edu or call 507-389-1094
Training Questions: Email elizabeth.harstad.3@mnsu.edu