Improving Access and Removing Barriers to Mental Health Services for Rural, Remote, and Northern Veterans and Families

Veterans and families experience higher rates of mental health challenges compared to the general population and require services that are tailored to their experiences. Compared to the general population, Veterans and families are more likely to reside in rural, remote, or northern areas, which create unique barriers and considerations in accessing providers, treatments, and resources. The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families sought to understand the barriers to mental healthcare for this population by bringing together available research evidence with community-based experience. Improving access to credentialed service providers in rural, remote, and northern communities, reducing travel-related financial barriers, expanding coverage for culturally appropriate mental health services, and explicitly including family members in care planning may enhance both access to and the effectiveness of mental healthcare for Veterans and their families.