Mental Health In Rural Minority Communities: Barriers And Health Care Options

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. 

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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)

Receive culturally informed mental health support from a professional

Chat with a licensed therapist

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.