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Rural populations

red barn with hay bales in front

In many rural and frontier areas in the United States, the population is small and disproportionately older. These areas may have low household incomes, relatively high unemployment rates, and high poverty rates.

Health care practitioners, services, and infrastructure may be in short supply, and a high proportion of the population may lack health insurance or have inadequate coverage. Providing behavioral health care services to rural residents is further complicated by the presence of stigma.

Adapted from APA’s rural health program webpage

Resources from APA

Preparing for practice in rural communities

Supervisors and trainees can hone specific skills to deliver more ethical and effective practice in rural communities.

psychologist wearing a head scarf talking to a client

Seeking structural change

The pandemic disproportionately hurt those without access to care. We can fix that.

Family of farmers: Grandfather, father and son

COVID-19 fallout hits farmers

Psychologists and other mental health professionals are concerned about the rate of undiagnosed mood disorders and substance misuse in farming communities.