Rural Mental Health – Models and Innovations
These stories feature model programs and successful rural projects that can serve as a source of ideas and provide lessons others have learned. Some of the projects or programs may no longer be active. Read about the criteria and evidence-base for programs included.
Other Project Examples
Collaborative Approaches to Well-Being in Rural Communities
Updated/reviewed November 2021
- Need: To improve mental health and well-being in rural Texas.
- Intervention: The Hogg Foundation has awarded $7.75 million in grants to support five rural Texas communities in developing collaborative approaches to mental health that best fit each community's needs.
- Results: Five community collaboratives have successfully completed their planning process and developed implementation plans.
Pathways Vermont Housing First Program
Updated/reviewed April 2021
- Need: Ending a local Vermont population's homelessness experience.
- Intervention: In 2010, Pathways Vermont implemented a first-of-its-kind, rural-focused Housing First program in order to provide housing and support services to those with mental health and substance use conditions experiencing homelessness.
- Results: Since its initial start-up, Pathways Vermont has assisted over 560 Vermonters — about 70% from rural areas — experiencing homelessness using the Housing First model. The organization has collaborated with the state mental health department, corrections department, local healthcare systems and providers, and other organizations to end homelessness. In addition, programmatic work has expanded to reach other local populations, including veterans and at-risk families.
Optimal Health Behavioral Health Home Models
Updated/reviewed December 2019
- Need: A healthcare delivery model to improve health and well-being of Pennsylvania patients with serious mental illness in Pennsylvania, especially those in rural settings.
- Intervention: County human service administrators, patients, families, a behavioral health provider network, and a nonprofit behavioral health managed care organization implemented 2 versions of a behavioral home health model focusing on a complete culture of wellness.
- Results: These unique models significantly increased patient activation, engagement in both primary and specialty care, and improved client perception of their mental health status.
Last Updated: 11/3/2021