About 1 in 5 Americans live in rural areas, and they are just as likely to face mental health challenges as those who live in or near cities. Unfortunately, rural Americans may not have access to the same mental health resources as others. In fact, approximately 60% of the population in rural or remote areas live in areas where mental health services are in short supply.
There are other barriers to treatment in these areas. Travel can be an issue. Even if you can find a provider, you may have to travel a long way to find them, said Iva GreyWolf, a psychologist in Roseburg, Ore., who works with remote Native communities across Alaska cooperate.
“In Alaska, there’s no connected road system,” she said. “In many villages you only have the option of flying in or out, or if it’s a coastal area, you can travel by boat.”
Or you may have difficulty finding a therapist who understands your issues. For example, if you are a farmer, you will want to talk to someone who understands the life of a farmer.
“It’s important to understand the culture of the people who work in agriculture,” said Dr. Michael Rothman, a psychologist and farmer in western Iowa.
Rothman recommends starting with your primary care provider. These health care providers, whether doctors or nurse practitioners, often have good connections with the local community and understand the types of stress common in the area, he said.
“You can go to them for medications and referrals,” Rothman said.
You may also want to consult your local pastor or other religious leader. They often have experience helping people in mental health crises. Even if they can’t provide consultation, they can often refer you to other local resources.
Gray Wolf said this is typically a more common trail in smaller communities. “When people feel stressed in small communities, they often don’t see a psychologist,” she said.
“They go to someone they trust, like a relative or clergy member. That’s how you start a referral line.
You can also contact your local community mental health provider directly. Please check your county government’s website to find out how to contact you.
“Call and ask for the contact information of someone who can help with the specific problem you’re having,” says Rothman. “In rural areas, they serve a much larger Medicaid population.”
If you are in a very remote area, you may want to contact a state professional psychology organization, such as the California Psychological Association or the Alabama Psychological Association. The American Psychological Association’s website provides links that will take you to your state’s psychological association.
“They offer services that can help you find a therapist near you,” Rothman said. “For example, you could ask the organization to refer you to a therapist who understands agriculture in your area.”
Remember, you don’t have to see a therapist in person, or even in your state. Telemedicine, where you can meet with a therapist via video on your phone, tablet or computer, is a growing option, Rothman said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has really accelerated the development of telemedicine consultation,” he said. “It’s often easier to find people who have the ability to understand agriculture in telemedicine than in person.”
But there is a drawback. Telemedicine requires high-speed Internet connections, which are not always available or reliable in rural or remote areas.
“There are some issues with telemedicine, especially in remote areas,” GreyWolf said. “The system could crash.”
Check your health insurance company’s website for a list of providers covered by your plan.Rothman also recommends psychology todayprovider directory. You can use this to narrow your search to find a therapist who meets your needs.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: If you are in emotional crisis or suicidal, or if you are concerned about someone in this situation, please contact 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat online anytime at 988Lifeline.org/chat/, 24- 7.
Your call or text message will be directed to the crisis center closest to you based on your area code. Trained counselors will provide support and can point you to other resources, such as therapists.
While on-call therapists may not be appropriate for the specific issues in your area, these types of hotlines can be very helpful, especially in crisis situations, Graywolf said.
Samsa: It is the abbreviation for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA provides 24/7 treatment referrals for people with substance abuse and/or mental health disorders. Please contact them at 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357). Teletype: 800-487-4889. You can also access their catalog through their website or via text message, just text your zip code to 435748.
Local helpline: There may also be a helpline specific to your area. Check your local Farm Service Agency or county government’s website for phone numbers and other contact information.
Rural Thought: Provides phone numbers and links to mental health resources for people in rural areas. You can find them on their website, Rural Minds (ruralminds.org).Or you can call 800-226-8113 or email [email protected].
agricultural aid: They help farmers and their families with a variety of issues, including mental health assistance. Check them out online.You can also call their hotline at 800-327-6243 or email [email protected].
