Clinical Geropsychology: Treatment and Research Approaches With Rural Older Adults

Abstract

The proportion of older adults in rural settings continues to increase, with the proportion of older adults greater in rural versus urban areas. Rural elders often have greater mental health needs but live in areas with the greatest shortages of mental and behavioral health services. Furthermore, cultural barriers to treatment exist with a lack of understanding of rural older adults' cultural context contributing to a hesitation to seek help by rural elders. The current article will explore characteristics, need for treatment and research, barriers to delivering treatment and conducting research, public policy, and clinical implications related to the mental health needs of rural older adults.