Rural Health
Research Gateway

Natalia Oster, MPH, PhD

WWAMI Rural Health Research Center

Phone: 206.898.4389
Email: nvoster@uw.edu

Department of Family Medicine
University of Washington
1959 NE Pacific Street
Box 354982
Seattle, WA 98195

Current Projects - (1)

  • Marriage and Family Therapist and Mental Health Counselor Training Programs
    This study will examine the national geographic distribution of marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors training programs, characterize variation in state training requirements, and assess the extent to which programs incorporate rural-specific curricula or clinical rotations.
    Research center: WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
    Topics: Healthcare access, Medicare, Mental and behavioral health, Workforce

Publications - (7)

2026

2025

  • Interstate Occupational Licensure Arrangements to Expand Access to Behavioral Health Services
    Policy Brief
    WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
    Date: 07/2025
    To increase the availability of behavioral health care, some states are utilizing streamlined licensure pathways for clinicians who wish to practice across state lines. This policy brief describes state-based provisions to expand behavioral health services through interstate licensure arrangements for various behavioral health professions.
  • Federal and State Reimbursement for Youth Behavioral Health Services
    Report
    WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
    Date: 04/2025
    Medicaid is an important source of health care coverage for children and youth in rural areas. This policy brief details the state and federal policies that impact access to behavioral health care services for youth in rural areas, including Medicaid reimbursement policies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

2024