title: Using technology in the delivery of mental health and substance abuse treatment in rural communities: a review.
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.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210-1495, USA. svaello@wsu.edu
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Benavides-Vaello
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Strode
authors.forename: Beth C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Sheeran
mesh_terms: D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012424:Rural Population; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D017216:Telemedicine