Community Partnerships for Rural Mental Health Programs
A strong support network of community partners can help ensure individuals with a mental health condition receive the care they need. Partners can collaborate on the best type of mental healthcare plans for a given individual.
Examples of partners for mental health programs include, but are not limited to:
- Homeless shelters
- Religious organizations
- Nonprofits and social services
- Employment services
- Law enforcement
- Transportation services
- Schools
- State or local health departments
Community partners can connect mental health providers with community organizations that address social needs that contribute to mental health or substance use disorders. Community partnerships can be used to supplement limited mental health resources in rural areas by integrating health and social services.
State commissions, behavioral or mental health task forces, and work groups can be formed to bring together mental health partners and providers in a community, state, or region. The Arkansas Rural Health Partnership is an example of a behavioral health taskforce comprising rural hospitals, community members, policymakers, and other key collaborators working to strengthen healthcare systems in rural Arkansas.
Resources to Learn More
Mental
Health and Faith Community Partnership
Website
Highlights partnerships between mental health providers and faith community leaders.
Organization(s): American Psychiatric Association