Community Needs Assessment for Southwest Indiana and Mental Health Services: Addressing Barriers in Access and Capacity

Abstract

Rural communities in Indiana face barriers to access to mental health services, and the capacity of current mental health practitioners is a challenge for these communities. According to the Rural Health Association, accessibility, availability, affordability, and acceptability are factors that keep individuals in rural areas from receiving mental health services (Wilson et al, 2015). The incorporation of strong telehealth services at the local level can help individuals receive convenient and efficient mental health services, which can lead to a decrease in their county suicide rates.