Barriers to Care: Solutions for Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Provision in Rural Communities

The SJLA Learning Series is for professionals of all levels who are dedicated to embracing social justice principles to bring equity to communities and systems of care.

Rural communities face numerous barriers to mental health and substance use care, including distance from services, financial barriers and a lack of mental health care infrastructure. Health and wellbeing is further impacted by challenges such as limited access to child care, poor physical health, housing challenges and living in food deserts. These obstacles magnify other inequities, leaving marginalized communities more heavily impacted.

In this webinar, our speakers will explore how Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) address these barriers and provide mental health care infrastructure in rural communities. We will learn how CCBHCs partner with providers and other community organizations to strengthen care coordination and provide quality services. We will also discuss how to embed diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of care, including culturally competent services for diverse populations. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the key barriers to mental health and substance use care in rural communities. 
2. Highlight how CCBHCs strengthen mental health care infrastructure in rural areas. 
3. Explore strategies for embedding DEI in your organization and expanding the use of culturally competent services for diverse rural populations. 

Speakers: 

• Carolyn Rekerdres, MD, Associate Medical Director, Pecan Valley Centers; Medical Director, North East Region of East Texas Behavioral Health Network
• Shauna Reitmeier, MSW, LGSW, CEO, Alluma

Note: If you register and are unable to attend, you can receive the recording.