Providing psychological services in remote rural and northern communities presents unique challenges that differ substantially from those encountered in urban settings. Limited local resources, vast travel distances, harsh and unpredictable weather, and unreliable technological infrastructure require psychologists to demonstrate exceptional flexibility in how care is delivered. Ensuring cost-effective service provision while maintaining high standards of cultural safety and humility is essential, particularly given the deep connections many residents have to their land, community, and cultural traditions. Effective practice depends on understanding each community's specific needs, strengths, and available supports, and on building meaningful relationships that foster trust. In response to these contextual factors, psychologists and others often adopt creative program-delivery methods, ranging from blended in-person and virtual approaches to community-led programming and land-based interventions. This presentation explores these complexities and highlights residents' perspectives on various psychological service models. Their views illuminate both the opportunities and the limitations of current programming, offering valuable guidance for designing services that are culturally responsive, accessible, and sustainable in northern and remote settings.
Shayla is Métis from the Métis Nation of Alberta District 15 and now calls Yellowknife her home. She is an Educational Psychologist registered in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Shayla has a Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary. She has worked in various roles spanning research, family, government and school settings. She has also taught masters-level courses in school psychology for the University of Calgary and hosted practicum students. In 2021, she co-founded an inter-disciplinary private practice called Continuum North which focuses on serving communities across the NWT and Nunavut. Continuum North prioritizes communities and populations with unmet needs and seeks partnerships with Indigenous governments. Shayla and her team provide a balance of in-person and virtual services for remote communities, which necessitates frequent travel and creativity. Areas of focus for Shayla's work include assessment and consultation. Shayla is passionate about advancing and challenging the profession of Psychology to be responsive to the people it serves. She is currently the President of the Association of Psychologists of the Northwest Territories.
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