Rural Mental Health – Resources

Serious Mental Illness and Mental Health Treatment Utilization among Adults Residing in Non-Metropolitan and Metropolitan Counties
Results of a national study to estimate and compare the prevalence of serious mental illness and mental health treatment utilization, and reasons for not seeking mental health treatment among adults residing in non-metropolitan and metropolitan counties. Features statistics with breakdowns by metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas.
Author(s): Tyrone F. Borders, Timothy Williams
Date: 02/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural and Underserved Health Research Center
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Postmortem Screening of Opioids, Benzodiazepines, and Alcohol Among Rural and Urban Suicide Decedents
Presents a study comparing the co-use of opioids and other substances in opioid-related overdose suicides in rural and urban areas. Breaks down 2012-2015 data from the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) by toxicology reports, gender, race, and mental health history, among other factors.
Author(s): KM Bensley, William C Kerr, Sarah Beth Barnett, Nina Mulia
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 38(1), 77-86
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
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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
Type: Document
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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
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: VA Health Services Research & Development Service
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Children in the Fields: The Struggles You Should Know
Report examining the challenges and inequities 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
Type: Document
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
Type: Document
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
Type: Document
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Adapting Evidence-Based Practices for Under-Resourced Populations
Describes various methods of adapting evidence-based practices (EBPs) to meet the needs of populations who experience barriers in receiving behavioral health services due to a variety of factors including race, ethnicity, geography, income, sexual orientation, and disability. Offers guidance on implementing adapted EBPs with examples for behavioral health professionals, administrators, researchers, and others involved with helping individuals in need of mental health and substance use disorder services.
Date: 2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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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
Type: Document
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
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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