Innovative Rural Mental Health Service Delivery for Rural Elders

Abstract

This paper describes rural mental-health service delivery models identified in a 1995 yearlong search by the National Resource Center for Rural Elderly for innovative programs. Programs are classified into those providing direct service and those with an education and training focus. The leadership role of a single individual, palatibility to a rural elderly clientele, and flexibility are found to be shared characteristics of successful direct service models. Successful educationally oriented models are characterized by ongoing involvement of community leaders, development of specialized rurally specific curricula, and marketing that enabled programs to survive beyond their initial demonstration project funding. It is concluded that successful rural models of mental health care must be based on information that is germane to rural community life, specific training of mental health professionals to work in rural settings, engagement of rural elders as peer counselors in outreach, and strong linkages with existing services and programs.