Rural Mental Health – Resources

A Pilot Study Examining Access to and Satisfaction with Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment via Telemedicine
Highlights a study on the role telemedicine plays in increasing access to mental health and substance use treatment for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. The study received a high percentage of participants from rural areas and breaks down the demographic data by rural, as well as several other factors such as age, race, and diagnosis, to name a few.
Author(s): Constance Guille, Emily Johnson, Edie Douglas, et al.
Citation: Telemedicine Reports, 3(1), 24-29
Date: 01/2022
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Benefits of a Telehealth Approach to Treating Mental Illness among Veterans in Rural Settings
Details a study on the VA's use of telemedicine to provide mental healthcare to rural veterans. Focuses on underserved veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially women with military sexual trauma (MST). Includes feedback from veterans on their experience with tele-mental health treatment.
Date: 01/2022
Sponsoring organization: VA Health Systems Research, Office of Research & Development
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Children in the Fields: The Struggles You Should Know
Report examining the challenges affecting migrant farmworker children based on interviews with 37 children from the West, East, and Mid-Central regions. Addresses health struggles including bodily pain and injury, heat stress, COVID-19, pesticide exposure, and mental health. Also covers education and financial struggles and human trafficking vulnerabilities.
Date: 01/2022
Sponsoring organizations: Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs, Children in the Fields Campaign
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Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Adults Aged ≥18 Years — United States, 2015–2019
Provides data on suicidal thoughts, suicide plans, and suicide attempts among adults 18 years and older. Also reports on the number and percentage who attempted suicide requiring medical attention or hospitalization. Includes data for large metropolitan, small metropolitan, and nonmetro counties.
Author(s): Asha Z. Ivey-Stephenson, Alex E. Crosby, Jennifer M. Hoenig, et al.
Citation: MMWR Surveillance Summaries, 71(1), 1-19
Date: 01/2022
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Comparing Two Telehealth Approaches for Treating Complex Psychiatric Disorders in Primary Care -- The SPIRIT Study
Details a study on the use of telepsychiatry and telepsychology to treat complex psychiatric disorders in rural primary care settings. Discusses a trials done in 24 primary care clinics without behavioral health services. Compares models of care and draws conclusions from survey data.
Additional links: Audio Abstract Recording, En Español, Research Summary
Author(s): John C. Fortney, Jürgen Unützer
Date: 2022
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Suicide Prevention in Indigenous Communities: Proceedings of a Workshop
Report details the proceedings of a workshop addressing suicide prevention for American Indians and Alaska Natives living in tribal communities. Highlights suicide rates and prevention strategies in indigenous communities. Makes recommendations for improvement of data quality, cultural competency, and research, among other factors.
Additional links: Read Online
Author(s): Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education
Date: 2022
Sponsoring organization: Health and Medicine Division (HMD), National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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Addressing Burnout in the Behavioral Health Workforce Through Organizational Strategies
Offers organization-level interventions to prevent and reduce burnout among behavioral health workers and provides examples of strategies used by other organizations to address burnout. Mentions challenges that contribute to burnout in rural areas, including low occupational prestige and workforce shortages.
Date: 2022
Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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The Regional Distribution of Psychiatric Residency Positions Funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Its Relationship to Rural Veteran Populations
Details a study on the geographic distribution of psychiatry residency positions funded by the VA from 2014-2020. Breaks down data by residency locations, positions available, and rural versus urban areas served, among other measures.
Author(s): Matthew Vincenti, Anthony Albanese, Edward Bope, Bradley V. Watts
Citation: Academic Psychiatry, 46, 435-440
Date: 2022
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Emergency Department Visits for Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm in Rural and Urban Youth
Presents a study comparing rates of emergency room visits among youth aged 5 to 19 for suicidal ideation and/or self-harm in rural and urban areas. Breaks down data by age, household income, and rural-urban hospital status, among other measures.
Author(s): Jennifer A. Hoffmann, Matt Hall, Doug Lorenz, Jay Berry
Citation: The Journal of Pediatrics, 238, 282-289
Date: 11/2021
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Peer-Based Recovery Support Services Delivered at Recovery Community Organizations
Discusses the efficacy of peer-based recovery support programs in rural communities. Features a study on peer-based recovery support services are used in conjunction with clinical treatment for substance use disorder.
Date: 11/2021
Sponsoring organization: University of Vermont Center on Rural Addiction
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