Mental Health In Rural Minority Communities: Barriers And Health Care Options
- For those experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
- For those experiencing abuse, please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- For those experiencing substance use, please contact SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357
Hundreds of communities across the United States live in rural areas where resources are often not as abundant as in cities and larger towns. Rural areas can cause geographical and cultural barriers to support. Minority communities like Native Americans and indigenous groups may be limited to certain resources and experience difficulty finding mental health support. In addition, those living in rural areas may have difficulty connecting with others. Understanding these barriers can be a step toward improving quality of life for people living in rural communities and finding support options, whether online or in the area.
What are rural minority communities?
Marginalized groups like Indigenous populations, immigrants, and racial minorities may also live in rural areas. Indigenous reservations across the country are often outside of cities. They are often overseen by the Native Americans living in the region, with unique tribal resources that can be used by tribal members living on the land. Rural minority communities can offer a sense of close-knit connection between family and community members. Still, they may also limit a person’s ability to benefit from resources like health care, education, and economic opportunities.
Barriers to health care and mental health services
Rural life may have some benefits but can also lead to unique challenges. These challenges may negatively affect mental health, potentially putting people in rural areas at a higher risk of mental illness, stress, and substance use.
Distance from mental health care resources
Rural residents may not have certain services or resources in their area, such as therapists or social workers. Some communities may only have a few stores available to them. Those in these communities may be self-sufficient on their land or drive hours away to buy necessities. Traveling can take time, money, and energy. For challenges that require therapy, it can be challenging to travel a few hours every week for one appointment.
Lack of diversity in providers and mental health care services
If medical or mental health care providers are available in a rural community, there may be only a few options, and they may have a long list of clients. In addition, rural providers may not accept all types of insurance, and some people may not have the financial means to afford appointments for their physical and mental health needs. A lack of health services in rural areas can lead to poor health outcomes and worsening of symptoms of a serious mental illness.
Because many rural communities are primarily white, people of color (BIPOC) may have difficulty finding culturally informed care from someone of their own race or ethnicity. In addition, rural communities may be more prone to racism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of oppression that can lead to bias in health care.
A lack of cultural and social community
Some people living in rural areas may have difficulty finding others like them, especially when living as a marginalized individual. For example, LGBTQ+ youth in rural households may experience difficulty making friends who are also part of their community, and LGBTQ+ adults may find it challenging to meet potential partners. Also, people of racial and ethnic minority groups may not be able to attend cultural events or connect with other people within their cultural group due to a lack of availability of these types of community gatherings.
However, these barriers may not be present for every group. Indigenous reservations often value cultural community and preserving languages, customs, and traditions from centuries past. Tribal infrastructure allows all tribe members to participate in events and receive tribal services. Events may bring communities closer together and encourage a sense of family and connection.
A lack of education on mental health topics
Youth in rural communities often face significant mental health disparities. Due to a lack of community resources, school counselors and other officials may have difficulty referring children to proper care from mental health professionals or psychiatric facilities in the area. In addition, rural schools are significantly less likely than urban schools to provide mental health assessments and screenings.
Higher rates of mental health complications
A lack of mental health education and resources for youth can impact families and communities. Children experiencing behavioral challenges may be more frequently expected to “deal with it” or hide what they’re experiencing. In addition, families in rural areas may be more likely to experience substance use disorders. Because people in rural areas are often spread out and may not have opportunities to connect with others, loneliness can also develop, sometimes leading to higher rates of suicide.
Stereotypes, stigma, and misinformation
Misinformation about the benefits of seeking mental health care can lead some people in rural communities to avoid seeking help. Some cultures might spread stigmatizing statements like “Our family doesn’t need help” or “Therapy is only for weak people.” These statements can lead to significant distress and barriers to asking for help.
When whole communities and families repeat these statements, they may seem to become a part of life, and children and certain family members may not realize what mental health resources are available to them and what they are experiencing if mental health symptoms occur.
Fighting stigma and finding support for mental health care
If you live in a rural community, know that you’re not alone. A few resources are available to support you.
Online support groups
Hundreds of online support groups have been created to offer a space for individuals to meet and discuss their mental health challenges. Support groups might focus on specific mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, or topics like stress, parenting, divorce, and other life transitions. You can find support groups by searching online for the topics you’d like support with. By attending online, you can meet people from around the country or the world who have experienced similar challenges. These groups are often free, and you may be able to attend more than one.
Rural mental health services
Organizations like Rural Minds offer resources, advocacy work, and guides for mental health in rural minority communities. Rural Minds helps rural communities connect with hotlines, available therapists, psychiatrists, suicide prevention tools, and other organizations dedicated to supporting mental health. The organization also provides education to school professionals, counselors, and other workers in rural communities who may be able to advocate for increased mental health awareness.
The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) also created a mental health toolkit for rural communities, which can help those looking to develop rural mental health services and substance use programs. Individuals experiencing substance use challenges may also find help through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Therapy
A lack of mental health providers like therapists and psychiatrists in a rural area can lead to barriers to receiving life-changing mental health support. Those in rural areas may benefit from trying online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp.
With an online therapy platform, clients can connect with a therapist from home or any location with an internet connection, which means there’s no need to commute for support. In addition, online therapy allows clients to contact their therapist 24/7 through in-app messaging, and the therapist will respond as soon as they can. This may be especially helpful for those experiencing challenges in between therapy sessions.
Studies show that online mental health treatment is effective, especially in treating common mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, which may occur more frequently in rural populations. One review found several studies that showed online therapy was for symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Takeaway
If you’re experiencing mental health challenges and don’t know where to turn, you may find it helpful to sign up for online support groups or online therapy. With online therapy, you can be matched with a therapist from anywhere in the country based on your specific mental health needs. Take the first step toward getting support with your mental health and contact BetterHelp today.
What are the barriers to services geared toward mental health in rural minority communities?
People living in rural minority communities could face unique barriers to mental health services, including:
- Cultural factors, including stigma around seeking mental healthcare
- Long commutes or lack of transportation for people living in a rural setting
- Provider shortages in rural counties
- Lack of insurance or high costs of care in low-income communities
What is the stigma around mental health in rural minority communities?
The stigma surrounding mental health services in rural minority communities is complex. People living in small communities may know everyone in the area, and they might fear being seen receiving treatment at a therapist’s or psychiatrist’s office. Moreover, some rural Americans may be highly self-reliant and could inaccurately view mental health problems as signs of personal weakness.
Rural adults are less likely to seek treatment for substance use disorders as well. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hosts several grant programs and other initiatives to help break down barriers to vital health and human services in rural communities.
Why are suicide rates higher in rural areas?
The Center for Disease Control reports a higher suicide risk for rural adults compared to urban residents. There could be many different reasons for this, including:
- Stigma around mental health treatment
- Social isolation
- Socioeconomic concerns
- Historical or intergenerational trauma
- A shortage of mental health care providers
What are some crisis resources for people thinking about suicide?
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988; available 24/7
- Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741-741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Text 838255
If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, go to your nearest emergency room for immediate care.
Which ethnicity has the most mental health issues?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, people who report belonging to two or more racial groups are more likely to experience mental health issues.
How does living in rural areas affect mental health?
According to healthcare research, people living in rural communities experience depression at a higher rate than those who live in urban areas. There could be many factors that contribute to this issue, including:
- A lack of rural mental health providers
- Shortage of VA services for rural veterans
- Stigma around rural mental health care
- Financial stress in low-income areas
- Increased vulnerability to natural disasters
How does being a minority affect mental health?
Being a minority can affect one’s mental health as well as the quality of care the person receives. This could be due to a number of factors, including:
- Prejudice and discrimination toward minorities
- A lack of culturally sensitive care
- Stigma around seeking therapy or psychiatric services
- Higher rates of certain mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder
What type of mental disorder is common among rural populations?
Anxiety and depression are common among rural populations.
Why is there a shortage of mental health professionals in rural areas?
There could be many explanations for the shortage of mental and behavioral health professionals in rural areas. Examples include:
- Lack of funding for rural health policy
- Less demand due to cultural stigma
- Smaller economies and fewer local resources
- Low reimbursements from health insurance companies
- Fewer nearby practices providing mental health services
- Lack of support from mental health organizations
- Fewer referrals from rural primary care providers
How can rural communities address mental health stigma?
Children in rural communities are more likely to have developmental disorders and mental health conditions. They’re also more likely to need behavioral health care, yet they may be less likely to receive treatment due to mental health stigma. To address the problem, the mental and behavioral health workforce along with other stakeholders may need to raise awareness of these issues and educate residents about the importance of mental health care.
- Previous Article
- Next Article