This website is being reviewed for updates. Some information is offline. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Mental Health – Resources

Selected recent or important resources focusing on Rural Mental Health.

Geographic Variation in the Supply of Selected Behavioral Health Providers
Analyzes the geographic distribution of behavioral healthcare providers across the country. Breaks down data by metropolitan, micropolitan, and non-core counties and by psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners.
Author(s): C. Holly A. Andrilla, Davis G. Patterson, Lisa A. Garberson, et al.
Citation: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 54(6), Supp 3, S199-S207
Date: 06/2018
view details
Good Things in Small Packages? Evaluating an Economy of Scale Approach to Behavioral Health Promotion in Rural America
Discusses the relative effects of serving smaller versus larger student groups in a school-based youth risk prevention and behavioral health promotion program. Evaluation results are reported from the three-year program - I Got U: Healthy Life Choices for Teens - delivered to eighth-grade and tenth-grade rural Mississippi students from 2012 to 2015.
Author(s): John P. Bartkowski, Xiaohe Xu, Jerri S. Avery, et al.
Citation: Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal, 2018,1(1), 42-56
Date: 06/2018
view details
Adequacy of Depression Treatment in Spouses of Cancer Survivors: Findings from a Nationally Representative US Survey
Examines data from the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey to compare depression treatment for spouses of cancer survivors with treatment for other married individuals across the United States. Explores socioeconomic and rural/urban disparities in treatment rates to improve mental health outcomes for cancer survivors and their families.
Author(s): Kristin Litzelman, Abiola Keller, Amye Tevaarwerk, Lori DuBenske
Citation: Journal of General Internal Medicine, 33(6), 869-876
Date: 06/2018
view details
State Legislative Approach to Enumerating Behavioral Health Workforce Shortages: Lessons Learned in New Mexico
Describes the model developed in New Mexico (NM) as a result of the Health Care Work Force Data Collection, Analysis and Policy Act, initially enacted in 2011, to address behavioral health workforce shortages, particularly in rural areas, and the increased demand for services due to Medicaid expansion in the state. Highlights the purpose of the legislation, the development of a statewide workforce committee, policies implemented, lessons learned, and offers suggestions for other states considering legislation supporting behavioral health workforce initiatives.
Author(s): Deborah B. Altschul, Caroline A. Bonham, Martha J. Faulkner, et al.
Citation: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 54(6S3), S220-S229
Date: 06/2018
view details
Closing Behavioral Health Workforce Gaps: A HRSA Program Expanding Direct Mental Health Service Access in Underserved Areas
Commentary describing HRSA's Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training program, an initiative to address behavioral health disparities through supply and distribution of providers to underserved areas. Includes statistics on employment status and location of 1,975 graduates of the program.
Author(s): Hayden O. Kepley, Robin A. Streeter
Citation: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 54(6), Supplement 3, S190-S191
Date: 06/2018
view details
Reducing Depressive Symptoms Through Behavioral Activation in Churches: A Hybrid-2 Randomized Effectiveness-Implementation Design
Details a study on an intervention partnering with churches to address depressive symptoms in rural African American communities. Details the stressors that commonly affect African Americans, the ways faith communities can offer support, and how church leaders can work with mental health professionals to improve mental health outcomes.
Author(s): Tiffany Haynes, Jerome Turner, Johnny Smith, et al.
Citation: Contemporary Clinical Trials, 64, 22-29
Date: 01/2018
view details
Trends and Characteristics of Occupational Suicide and Homicide in Farmers and Agriculture Workers, 1992–2010
Presents a study on rates of work-related suicide and homicide among farmworkers from 1992-2010. Breaks down rates by year and region, and compares farmworkers to other occupations.
Author(s): Wendy Ringgenberg, Corinne Peek-Asa, Kelley Donham, Marizen Ramirez
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 34(3), 246-253
Date: 2018
view details
Suicide Surveillance Strategies for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities
Features a report on suicide data collection strategies for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Presents case studies from different tribal communities and supporting resources for each strategy discussed.
Date: 2018
Sponsoring organization: Suicide Prevention Resource Center
view details
Rural Suicide: One California County's Fight to Save Lives
Series of articles exploring the causes for high rates of suicide in rural areas of Northern California, including Amador, Calaveras, and Mariposa counties. Topics include shortages of mental health professionals and the higher risk of suicide among veterans and in tribal communities.
Author(s): Sammy Caiola
Date: 2018
Sponsoring organization: Capital Public Radio
view details
Understanding the Impact of Suicide In Rural America
Analyzes suicide rates and the impact of suicide in rural areas, highlights suicide in tribal communities and suicide prevention among U.S. veterans. Covers state and federal prevention strategies and discusses recommendations for research and evaluation, and outreach, promotion, and awareness.
Date: 12/2017
Sponsoring organization: National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services
view details

Additional resources are available related to this guide. See the full list of resources by topic for:


Last Updated: 12/3/2025