1. Local educational events:


2. Most common communication tools used in the country:
Social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter), IM programs, cell phones.

3. Level of access for the general population:
General population is able to access the internet through personal computers, internet sites located in malls, schools and libraries.  Coffee shops offer wireless internet connections in this state, as well as some fast-foot restaurant chains.

4. Level and examples of online mental health
services/research/education/supervision:
www.AskTheInternetTherapist.com is run by a local resident of this state, and offers therapists and medical practitioners who are licensed in many states across the U.S.A.

Although most third party payors will not reimburse for therapy online, there are many who have web portals to assist providers in submitting claims for face-to-face services, and to assist members in their search for individual providers.

5. Legal/regulatory issues:
Licensure for practitioners exists in this state, and no practitioner is allowed to practice within Arizona without a current license.  The Arizona Board of Behavioral Health reviews all applications for licensure and requires that each license be renewed after two years.  For more information on AZBBH, please visit their website:  http://www.bbhe.state.az.us.

At the time of this edition, counseling individuals online is viewed with concerns for provider liability, but not outlawed.

6. Insurance/payment options:
None.

7. Languages spoken:
English
Spanish
American Sign Language
Languages specific to the indigenous peoples of 22 Native American Nations.

8. Relevant cultural issues:
Arizona became a state on February 14, 1912.  Residents of Arizona include descendents from the Gold Rush and Latter Day Saint migrations.  Later migrations to this area include individuals who were raised in cooler climates from the Northeast and East Coast of the United States.  Migrations from Mexico, Central America and the West Coast USA have also served to populate the growth of this state.

Wikipedia lists the following Nations as Contemporary People who are Native to the State of Arizona:

• Chemehuevi
• Chiricahua
• Cocopa, or Xawitt Kunyavaei
• Dilzhe'e Apache
• Havasupai, or Havasuw `Baaja
• Hopi
• Hualapai, or Hwal `Baaja
• Maricopa, or Piipaash
• Mohave, or Hamakhava (also spelled Mojave)
• Navajo, or Diné
• Southern Paiute
• Pima, or Akimel O'odham
• Quechan, or Yuma
• San Carlos Apache, Nné - Coyotero or Western Apaches
• Tewa
• Tohono O'odham, formerly Papago
• Southern Ute
• White Mountain Apache, Ndé - Coyotero or Western Apaches
• Xalychidom, or Halchidhoma
• Yaqui, or Hiakim
• Yavapai, or Kwevkepaya, Wipukepa, Tolkepaya, and Yavepé (four separate groups)
• Zuni, or A:shiwi

9. Resources in the field of online mental health: