Behavioral Health in Rural America: Challenges and Opportunities

Authors

John A. Gale MS, University of Southern Maine, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow
Jaclyn Janis BSN, RN, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow
Andrew F. Coburn PhD, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow
Hanna Rochford MPH

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

12-11-2019

Keywords

Rural, Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Access, MRHRC, policy, healthcare services

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of behavioral health (BH) in rural America. The goal is to help rural leaders and providers understand the issues related to rural mental health (MH) and substance use (SU) and give them resources and tools to develop targeted strategies to address the unique needs of their communities. In the first section, we discuss the prevalence of behavioral health disorders (BHDs) in rural populations generally and among certain high-risk population groups (e.g., veterans, children). We then review what is known about rural access to BH services, focusing on the challenges of providing prevention, treatment, and recovery services in rural areas. The third section focuses on promising program and policy strategies that have been tested in rural communities targeting improvements in rural BH systems. We conclude with a discussion of opportunities for policy and system changes to improve rural BH systems and outcomes.

Executive Summary available as a separate document: http://www.rupri.org/wp-content/uploads/Behavioral-Health-in-Rural-America-Challenges-and-Opportunities-Executive-Summary-.pdf

Comments

This report was prepared by the RUPRI Health Panel: Keith J. Mueller, PhD; Alana Knudson, PhD; Jennifer P. Lundblad, PhD, MBA; A. Clinton MacKinney, MD, MS; and Timorthy D. McBride, PhD. Support was provided by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust grant number 2017PG-RHC006. We would like to thank Paula Weigel, PhD, and Karen Pearson, MLIS, MA, for their research and contributions to this document. We also thank Sue Nardie for helpful editing of this document.

For more information, please contact John Gale (john.gale@maine.edu)

Funding Organization

Helmsley Charitable Trust

Grant Number

2017PG-RHC006

Recommended Citation

Gale J, Janis J, Coburn A, Rochford H. Behavioral Health in Rural America: Challenges and Opportunities. Iowa City, IA: Rural Policy Research Institute; December 2019.