Mental Health in Appalachia
Document Type
Poster Presentation
Keywords
Appalachia, mental health, barriers
Biography
Kariana Jude is a psychology major working in her fourth year of her undergraduate. For her capstone with Doctor Koontz she did research looking at barriers in mental health care within Appalachia.
Major
Psychology
Advisor for this project
Penny Koontz
Abstract
This literature review examines the barriers of mental health care in Appalachia. The author expects to find disparities in mental health care and a shortage of mental health care services within the area; specifically looking at accessibility of mental health care in Appalachia as a disparity. Demographics of the rural area can impact health care services such as: socioeconomic status, unemployment problems, and substance abuse. Review of the literature has revealed major findings about mental healthcare in Appalachia, including barriers such as transportation, accessibility, availability, and perceived acceptability of services. Findings have also showcased four major themes of the area: barriers faced by communities, distinct culture, unique challenges, and ideas needed to overcome given barriers. The original hypothesis was confirmed. Appalachia does have a shortage of mental health care services and current services are very limited. These findings can directly be linked back to the accessibility and availability of services within the rural area. Future research directions may aim to resolve barriers in Appalachia, specifically looking at accessibility and availability of services.
Mental Health in Appalachia
This literature review examines the barriers of mental health care in Appalachia. The author expects to find disparities in mental health care and a shortage of mental health care services within the area; specifically looking at accessibility of mental health care in Appalachia as a disparity. Demographics of the rural area can impact health care services such as: socioeconomic status, unemployment problems, and substance abuse. Review of the literature has revealed major findings about mental healthcare in Appalachia, including barriers such as transportation, accessibility, availability, and perceived acceptability of services. Findings have also showcased four major themes of the area: barriers faced by communities, distinct culture, unique challenges, and ideas needed to overcome given barriers. The original hypothesis was confirmed. Appalachia does have a shortage of mental health care services and current services are very limited. These findings can directly be linked back to the accessibility and availability of services within the rural area. Future research directions may aim to resolve barriers in Appalachia, specifically looking at accessibility and availability of services.
