The Silent Epidemic – The Mental Health Crisis in Rural America Part Two: Nowhere to Turn

In Part One, we explored the stigma that keeps many people in the Allegheny Highlands from seeking mental health care. But even for those willing to ask for help, finding care is its own challenge.

In Part Two, we examine the barriers that make accessing mental health services so difficult in rural communities. With too few providers, many residents face long wait times or have to travel hours for care. For those without insurance or with limited coverage, the cost of therapy alone can be a dealbreaker.

When a mental health crisis happens, law enforcement often becomes the first responder, even though they aren’t trained therapists. Without mobile crisis teams or dedicated mental health facilities, these situations can turn dangerous quickly — for everyone involved.

This is a reminder that mental health isn’t just a personal struggle — it’s a community-wide issue. And in rural areas, the gaps in care leave too many people falling through the cracks.

What’s Next?
In Part Three, I sat down with Pari Baker and Eric Gutierrez from Bath Community Hospital’s Behavioral Health team for a long-form conversation about what’s working and what it takes to provide care to the Allegheny Highlands.

The full series is available at AlleghenyMountainRadio.org.