In a state where vast open spaces often mean a long journey to find help, Fort Hays State University is reshaping the mental healthcare landscape in rural Kansas. Fueled by state legislature funding and a vision for sustainable support, Our Advanced Education Program faculty are bridging the mental health services coverage gap through a cutting-edge telemental health certification program.
For years, the mental health needs of rural communities have gone unmet due to the widespread shortage of trained professionals. However, with an acute crisis looming, FHSU has taken proactive measures to ensure that help gets to those who need it most. Over the past seven months, a comprehensive badging and certification curriculum has been developed, paving the way for practitioners in the field to expand their skills.
Telemental health — rendering mental health services through remote technology like video calls, phone discussions, and messaging — has emerged as an essential tool for ensuring that rural residents can access care without the burdens of travel and time. Recognizing the critical role that telehealth has played in transforming mental healthcare delivery, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, FHSU is leaning into this model.
“It’s a lifeline for families who have remained isolated due to geography,” says Dr. Kim Chappell, chair and associate professor of Advanced Education Programs. She is leading our efforts in specialized telemental health delivery. “We are not just teaching therapists to use technology; we’re empowering them to connect with patients meaningfully.”
The Telemental Health Certification Program at FHSU is designed for current practitioners and students entering the field. Its framework includes three distinct micro-credentials: Foundations in Telemental Health Counseling, Advanced Clinical Skills in Telemental Health, and Special Populations & Telemental Health. Completing all three badges awards practitioners a certification, equipping them with essential skills to deliver virtual counseling services tailored to diverse communities.
With the first instructor-led courses kicking off next month, there’s excitement among departmental faculty as they get ready to welcome the first cohort of students. “We know our program will be very attractive to mental health professionals who are always eager to integrate this knowledge into their practice,” Kim said. “It’s more than just getting a badge—it’s about making a real difference for people who otherwise might not have access to critical mental health resources.”
As FHSU expands its reach, the enrollment numbers tell a powerful story. From 157 students in the fall of 2023 to an impressive 226 in the fall of 2024, the demand for telehealth education has surged. This year, we welcomed two highly qualified new faculty members with experience in telehealth delivery to ensure that as the program grows, it continues to deliver quality mental healthcare services regardless of where the client lives in Kansas.
The Telehealth Certification Program also meets rigorous standards of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), assuring students and professionals that their education aligns with the highest industry benchmarks. Integrating telehealth curriculum into counseling programs ensures that future graduates will be equipped to continue this vital work as they step into their careers.
Moreover, FHSU’s application to become an Approved Continuing Education Provider with the National Board for Certified Counselors symbolizes a recognition of this program’s importance. It is not just about immediate solutions; it’s about laying a foundation for a sustainable future where mental health services are woven into the fabric of every rural community in Kansas.
Beyond the telehealth acceleration, initiatives like the AmeriCorps grant project—focused on fostering literacy—and the development of artificial intelligence tools to improve reading signifies FHSU’s holistic approach to advancing the quality of life in the communities we serve. These efforts attest to a commitment to mental health and overall educational excellence.
This initiative stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the mental health and well-being of our rural neighbors. With Fort Hays State University leading this transformative effort, the vision of accessible mental health care is no longer just a distant hope for residents of rural communities; it’s swiftly turning into a tangible reality. Each connection made brings us closer to healing, and for those in need, the journey to wellness is about to become ever shorter with every day that passes.
Tisa Mason is president of Fort Hays State University.