Preparing Counselors for Montana's Rural Schools and Communities

"It has been a wonderful opportunity to see how something so important could get started and thrive in a rural town." - Damon, Counseling Intern, Cohort 1

We have created a cohort model that prepares graduate counseling students to participate and serve as counselors in rural communities. The graduate students are provided with preparation, a professional learning environment, and supervision to create sustainable and supportive mental health services in rural Montana. 

Goals: 

  • Increase the number of counselors in rural schools and communities from 3.7 per year to 10
  • Create a long-term sustainable model for best practice in preparation of rural mental health services in Montana and beyond. 
  • Foster safety and support in rural schools and communities for all community members. 

"I'm learning a lot working in a smaller community. I continue to learn new things every day in Ennis, and I am grateful to be at such a welcoming and supportive school." - Heidi, Counseling Intern, Cohort 1

Becoming Involved and More Information

RMHP4 Principal Investigators:

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Rebecca Koltz

Professor, Department Head
Montana State University
Marriage and Family Counseling;
Gerontological Counseling

   Herrick Hall 205 E, Bozeman, MT 59717
    (406)994-3244
   [email protected] 
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Jayne Downey

Professor
Montana State University
Center for Research on Rural Education
Rural Education; Educational Psychology

   Reid Hall 119, Bozeman, MT 59717
   (406)994-7426
    [email protected]
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Kirsten Murray

Professor
University of Montana
Department Chair
Department of Counselor Education

   ED 337, 32 Campus Dr MS 6356, Missoula MT, 59812
   (406)243-2650
   [email protected]