Rural mental health care access changing in northern Arkansas [Video]

MARSHALL, Ark. (KY3) – Many mental health patients in north Arkansas must drive an hour or more to see a healthcare provider.

With clinics and providers across northern Arkansas, Boston Mountain Rural Health embraces technology to help communities and patients connect with resources in their clinics. The healthcare provider recently opened a clinic in Lead Hill. In that clinic, a room with teleconferencing allows patients to speak with a mental health care professional. The goal is to connect those in need without driving long distances. This helps medical teams and healthcare providers work together to provide services to rural areas.

“We have seen an astronomical amount of increased need, as it relates to behavioral health care, particularly substance abuse disorders,” says Neil Langer, APRN Associate Medical Director with Boston Mountain.

Health care can be hard to find and provide care in rural settings.

“I think part of it is meeting …