Understanding Barriers to Mental Health Care for Rural Americans

(Family Features) Rural America is experiencing a mental health emergency. For residents of rural communities, there is evidence of higher rates of mental illness compared to those in urban communities. For example, the suicide rate is 49% higher among rural residents compared to urban residents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet people living in rural areas are less likely to have access to mental health services.

A survey of people in rural areas conducted by Russell Research on behalf of nonprofit mental health advocacy organization Rural Minds, found most (94%) respondents believe it’s important for policymakers to prioritize greater access to medicines for mental illness.