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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Mental Health – Resources

Selected recent or important resources focusing on Rural Mental Health.

Comparison of In-Person vs. Telebehavioral Health Outcomes from Rural Populations Across America
Examines the efficacy of 2 federal behavioral health grant programs in reducing depression and anxiety in patients, comparing telehealth and in-person modalities in rural areas. Analyzes data from 1,514 patients participating in grant programs between 2017 and 2021 and their associated behavioral health modality. Includes demographic breakdowns by age, sex, and insurance status, among other measures.
Author(s): Carly McCord, Fred Ullrich, Kimberly A. S. Merchant, et al.
Citation: BMC Psychiatry, 22, 778
Date: 12/2022
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Florence County Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse and Mental Health Coalition - Increasing Community Capacity and Resources through Partnership
Details a community effort to address substance use and mental health issues in rural Florence County, WI. Highlights the coalition's efforts to address the behavioral health of the county's youth and families through school-based efforts and discusses how collective action can address behavioral health issues in rural communities.
Date: 12/2022
Sponsoring organizations: Bright Research Group, County Health Rankings & Roadmaps
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Mental Health Disorders Among Delivery Inpatient Stays by Patient Race and Ethnicity, 2020
Reports on the number and rate of delivery stays with a mental health disorder diagnosis by patient race and ethnicity for Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, White, and Hispanic populations. Includes data by location of patient residence for large metropolitan, small metro, and nonmetro areas.
Author(s): Audrey J. Weiss, Michael A. Head, Lawrence D. Reid
Date: 12/2022
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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Increased Rates of Suicide Ideation and Attempts in Rural Dwellers Following the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Examines the effect the COVID-19 pandemic had on rates of suicide ideation and attempts. Compares rates of suicide ideation and attempts in the first 6 months of the pandemic with the same months of the preceding year. Breaks down data by patient demographics, such as age and rurality, among other measures.
Author(s): Elizabeth Salt, Amanda T. Wiggins, Julie Cerel, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 39(1), 30-38
Date: 12/2022
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Urban–Rural Differences in Mental and Physical Health among Primary Care Patients with Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Secondary Analysis from a Randomized Clinical Trial
Presents a study on the differences in mental and physical health outcomes for people with multiple chronic conditions in rural and urban areas with access to primary care providers. Breaks down data by demographic characteristics, such as age, income, and chronic conditions, among others.
Author(s): Levi N. Bonnell, Jessica Clifton, Gail L. Rose, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(23), 15580
Date: 11/2022
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Rural-Urban Prescribing Patterns by Primary Care and Behavioral Health Providers in Older Adults with Serious Mental Illness
Examines psychiatric prescription patterns by behavioral health specialists (BHSs) and primary care providers (PCPs) in older adults with serious mental illness (SMI). Analyzes 2018 Medicare data of 2,079,045 Medicare beneficiaries who received a prescription for their SMI diagnosis. Includes rural versus urban comparisons of psychiatric medication type and provider type.
Author(s): Ulrike Muench, Matthew Jura, Cindy Parks Thomas, Jennifer Perloff, Joanne Spetz
Citation: BMC Health Services Research, 22, 1440
Date: 11/2022
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Evidence Brief: Safety and Effectiveness of Telehealth-Delivered Mental Health Care
Presents an overview of research evidence on the safety and effectiveness of telehealth-based mental healthcare for veterans. Discusses outcomes and studies of telehealth treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance use, and multiple mental health conditions.
Additional links: Supplemental Materials
Author(s): E.H. Beech, S. Young, J.K. Anderson, B.E. Belsher, N.J. Parr
Date: 10/2022
Sponsoring organization: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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Suicide Prevention: Resource for Action
Presents a compilation of best practices for suicide prevention. Explores 7 different approaches to suicide prevention for communities to implement, such as strengthening economic supports, creating protective environments, and improving access and delivery of suicide care, among others. Includes discussion about how different strategies function in rural communities.
Date: 10/2022
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Behavioral Health: Available Workforce Information and Federal Actions to Help Recruit and Retain Providers
Examines the available information on the behavioral health workforce, including federal data on the number of providers nationwide and the projection of the supply and demand for behavioral health providers in 2030. Identifies key barriers to recruiting and retaining behavioral health providers, as well as actions federal agencies have taken to support recruiting and retaining these providers. Outlines federal loan repayment, scholarship, and training programs designed to address workforce challenges in rural and other underserved areas.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 10/2022
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Suicide and Self-Harm in Youth Presenting to a US Rural Hospital During COVID-19
Presents a study on rural emergency department utilization and hospital admission for suicide or self-harm in children ages 5 to 17 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyzes hospital data from January 2017 to May 2021. Breaks down data by demographic factors, such as sex and rurality, as well as length of stay and visit type, among other measures.
Author(s): Mary Arakelyan, Jennifer A. Emond, JoAnna K. Leyenaar
Citation: Hospital Pediatrics, 12(10), e336–e342
Date: 10/2022
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Last Updated: 4/15/2025