Document Type

Podcast

Title

S5E2: How can we address mental health needs in rural Maine?

Name

Ron Lisnet, University of MaineFollow
Jeff Hecker, University of Maine Psychology Department
Sandy Butler, University of Maine School of Social Work
Emily Haigh, University of Maine Psychology Department

Streaming Media

Run Time

00:31:33

Release Date

9-30-2021

Episode Description

Many people nationwide are experiencing a decline in their mental health. Rates of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are rising, more so in rural areas. Ten out of 16 Maine counties have a shortage of mental health professionals. Only about half of the state population receives the services they need.

At UMaine, a major effort is underway to recruit more mental health care providers to serve in rural areas. Using federal funding, researchers from the Psychology Department and School of Social Work are working with other experts to increase the number of psychologists, social workers and substance abuse professionals in areas with the greatest need. We speak with those researchers about their plans on this episode of “The Maine Question.”