Rural Mental Health – Resources

Risk Factors and Health Behaviors Associated With Loneliness Among Cancer Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Explores loneliness as a driver of negative health outcomes among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Breaks down data by age, cancer type, living situation, and rural versus urban location, among other measures.
Author(s): Elena S Aßmann, Jennifer Ose, Cassandra A Hathaway, et al.
Citation: Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 47, 405-421
Date: 02/2024
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Geographic Variation, Economic Activity, and Labor Market Characteristics in Trajectories of Suicide in the United States, 2008–2020
Presents a study exploring the associations between economic and labor activity and rurality with changes in suicide rates from 2008-2015. Creates county-level economic categories based on economy type and metropolitan status while breaking down the data by age and firearm involvement.
Author(s): Katherine M Keyes, Sasikiran Kandula, Gonzalo Martinez-Ales, et al.
Citation: American Journal of Epidemiology, 193(2), 256–266
Date: 02/2024
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An 'Unseen' Struggle: Addressing Hoarding Disorder in Rural Communities
Discusses the challenges of identifying and addressing hoarding disorder in rural areas, as well as the impact it can have on the ability to age in place. Highlights resources and strategies that can be effective in rural areas to help address this issue.
Author(s): Gretel Kauffman
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 02/2024
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Recent Trends in Mental Health and Substance Use Concerns Among Adolescents
Report highlights the state of adolescent mental health and substance use across the country. Breaks down rates of suicides, drug use, drug-related deaths, and other behavioral health issues by race, sex, and sexual orientation, as well as by rurality.
Author(s): Nirmita Panchal, Robin Rudowitz, Cynthia Cox
Date: 02/2024
Sponsoring organization: KFF
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Exploring Telemental Health Practice Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Presents a study on the use of telemedicine by mental health providers since the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlights the expansion of telemental health during the pandemic and how that expansion has continued in the aftermath. Breaks down data by patient and provider characteristics, as well as the rurality of providers and of the area served.
Author(s): Demi Zhu, Samantha R Paige, Henry Slone, et al.
Citation: Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 30(1), 72-78
Date: 01/2024
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2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Among the American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) Population Aged 12 or Older
Highlights data from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health pertaining specifically to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) over the age of 12. Compares AI/AN rates of drug use and mental illness, as well as co-occurring disorders, to rates for the U.S. as a whole.
Date: 01/2024
Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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Practical Guide for Expanding the Community-Based Behavioral Health Workforce
Explores the role of community-initiated care (CIC) and behavioral health support specialists (BHSS) in filling gaps in behavioral healthcare services and supporting community wellness. Provides guidance, strategies, and best practices for addressing behavioral health disparities in underserved communities and expanding the BHSS and CIC workforce.
Date: 2024
Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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Recommendations for Local Suicide Prevention Infrastructure
Presents a report detailing local infrastructure recommendations for suicide prevention. Discusses suicide prevention strategies, makes recommendations for partnerships, and implementation guidance for programs at the local level. Highlights considerations for rural communities and explores the role of culture in suicide prevention.
Date: 2024
Sponsoring organization: Suicide Prevention Resource Center
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The Dialogue: Rural and Remote Disaster Behavioral Health
Journal issue discusses the behavioral health needs and challenges during disasters in rural and remote communities. Highlights the mental health challenges that co-occur with disasters such as extreme heat, floods, droughts and other disasters in rural communities and details strategies for addressing them.
Citation: The Dialogue, 19(4)
Date: 2024
Sponsoring organization: SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center
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Expanding Behavioral Health Care Workforce Participation in Medicare, Medicaid, and Marketplace Plans
Report highlights barriers to obtaining behavioral health treatment on Medicare, Medicaid, and Marketplace plans. Discusses barriers specific to rural and tribal communities. Details behavioral workforce needs and makes policy recommendations.
Additional links: Full Report
Author(s): Board on Health Care Services
Date: 2024
Sponsoring organization: Health and Medicine Division (HMD), National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
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