Behavioral Health Services in Rural Areas
Mental Health Treatment: Little Access and Few Doctors
Providing behavioral health services can be especially daunting in less-populated regions. While the symptoms and treatments for mental illness are similar between rural and urban patients, the available inpatient and outpatient services can be quite different.
Mental healthcare needs often go unmet in rural communities. Psychiatric services and experienced mental health practitioners are simply not available.
Behavioral health research indicates one of the biggest hurdles for Americans receiving care in the country has been the shortage of healthcare professionals. In-demand roles – including social workers, psychologists, mental health nurses and teen counselors – are harder to attract and retain in rural communities. Telehealth may be the most practical solution.
Benefits of bringing telehealth to underserved communities can include:
- Lower costs. If they lack health insurance, residents may not be able to afford out-of-pocket care. Telehealth visits, thankfully, often cost less.
- More convenient. Rural residents often travel long distances to receive services. They’re also less likely to be insured for mental health services.
- Total privacy. With telehealth visits, you can get therapy in the quiet comfort of your own home, in the car or on the go. Maintain your privacy while still ensuring a behavioral health specialist is only one phone call or video appointment away.
Telehealth can be a lifeline in rural communities
Providing psychiatric services via telehealth has shown promise in offsetting the lack of mental health services in remote towns.
Poverty-stricken communities are often those with the greatest need for mental health providers. Psychiatrics and rural therapists face unique challenges, such as longer travel distances, higher operating costs and fewer local resources.
Other barriers to care in remote areas may include lack of patient transportation and health literacy issues.
Finding access to behavioral health in rural America
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rural residents have higher rates of cigarette smoking, high blood pressure and obesity. They experience higher rates of poverty and less access to behavioral health care.
Your community can help deliver quality mental health care in less populated areas:
- Arrange for mobile health units to deliver services to towns with limited access.
- Expand mental health services in secondary schools to reach older kids directly.
- Provide first aid and mental health courses to empower and educate.
Horizon Health Behavioral Health Solutions
Horizon Health partners with hospitals and other behavioral healthcare facilities to improve existing or create new behavioral health programs. Call 800-727-2407 or complete the online interest form.
