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Using Technology in the Delivery of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment in Rural Communities: A Review

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Abstract

Rural communities face tremendous challenges in accessing mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Some of the most promising advancements in the delivery of rural health care services have been in the area of telecommunication technology. These applications have the potential to reduce the disparities in the delivery of substance abuse and mental health services between urban and rural communities. The purpose of this inquiry was to explore the advances and uses of telecommunications technology, and related issues, in the delivery of mental health and substance abuse treatment services within rural areas. A review of the academic literature and other relevant works was conducted and the content was organized into four major themes: (a) advantages of telehealth and applications to rural practice, (b) barriers to implementation in rural practice, (c) utilization in rural areas, and (d) areas for further research.

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Acknowledgments

This study was made possible with funding from: Life Sciences Discovery Fund Authority, of the State of Washington; OGRD#109212, Roll, J. (PI)

Conflict of Interest

The authors of this work attest to having no conflicts of interest in the subject matter of this manuscript. Further, this work has not been previously published and is not currently being reviewed for publication elsewhere.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Nursing, Washington State University, PO Box 1495, Spokane, WA, 99210-1495, USA

    Sandra Benavides-Vaello MPAff, PhD, RN

  2. 218 S. 4th Street, Dayton, WA, 99328, USA

    Anne Strode MSW

  3. 5304 W Anderson, Cheney, WA, 99004, USA

    Beth C. Sheeran BSN, RN

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  1. Sandra Benavides-Vaello MPAff, PhD, RN
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  2. Anne Strode MSW
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  3. Beth C. Sheeran BSN, RN
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Correspondence to Sandra Benavides-Vaello MPAff, PhD, RN.

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Benavides-Vaello, S., Strode, A. & Sheeran, B.C. Using Technology in the Delivery of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment in Rural Communities: A Review. J Behav Health Serv Res 40, 111–120 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-012-9299-6

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