Accessing mental health care in rural Pennsylvania presents unique and significant challenges. According to the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, the availability of mental health services is hindered by a shortage of qualified professionals, fragmented levels of care, interagency collaboration issues and funding and insurance challenges. Those who live in rural areas also face specific obstacles such as transportation barriers, limited health insurance access, stigma surrounding mental health and logistical conflicts like travel time and work schedules. Even telehealth visits have their issues due to family engagement and technology gaps, further complicating efforts to address mental health needs in these communities.
These complex challenges highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions to expand access to mental health care in rural areas. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) play a critical role in addressing these gaps, serving as accessible and trusted providers who bring essential mental health services to communities where care is often scarce.
LCSWs and LPCs are Essential in Rural Area
In rural Pennsylvania, the need for mental health resources is pressing, particularly for older residents and those grappling with substance use disorders.
Older adults in rural areas face disproportionately high mental health care needs compared to their urban counterparts. As the population of adults aged 65 and older continues to grow, rural regions are aging at a faster rate than urban ones. This demographic shift has led to a rise in chronic conditions, mental health concerns and poorer overall health outcomes. Alarmingly, between 10-25% of rural older adults experience diagnosable psychiatric illnesses that require specialized geriatric mental health services, yet there are few of these resources.
Substance use disorders (SUDs) also pose a severe challenge in rural areas. The opioid epidemic has deeply impacted these communities. Key challenges include:
- Approximately 299,000 Pennsylvanians experiencing drug use disorder as of 2020.
- Limited treatment options despite Medicaid being the largest payer for SUD-related inpatient stays in rural areas, covering 44%.
- Rural patients are less likely to have private insurance to cover treatment costs.
- Rural Pennsylvania’s higher overdose rates of 42.3 per 100,000 residents compared to 34.0 per 100,000 in urban areas.
- Lower survival rates for overdoses in rural areas: only 16% of overdose cases survived in 2022, compared to 84% in urban areas.
LCSWs and LPCs are essential in rural areas, not only to provide much-needed mental health services but also to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues. As Kylee Henderson, an LCSW at Cornerstone Care, shared, 'The community and family dynamics here are unique, everyone is connected in some way. While this fosters a sense of support, it also means that personal and family conflicts can ripple throughout the entire community. The work we do helps people navigate their trauma and build resilience in the face of these challenges.'
By addressing these needs, LCSWs and LPCs strengthen the fabric of rural communities, offering hope and support where it’s most needed.
The Future of Mental Health in Southwestern PA
Rural areas, especially in southwestern Pennsylvania, are facing a critical shortage of mental health professionals, leaving many individuals without the support they need. As more people seek mental health care, community health centers will need to rapidly adapt, expand and innovate to meet this growing demand.
Cornerstone Care is stepping up to tackle the complex health challenges tied to mental health in rural communities, issues such as chronic illness, addiction, and financial insecurity. By addressing these interconnected concerns, Cornerstone is providing vital mental health services and offering holistic support to improve overall well-being.
As Kylee reflects on her experience, “The lack of resources here can feel overwhelming, but I’ve seen firsthand how even the smallest acts of support can spark waves of change. In the face of adversity, we are not just surviving—we are transforming our community, one step at a time.” This philosophy aligns with Cornerstone’s commitment to holistic care, where mental health services are integrated with primary care, dental care and more to ensure comprehensive, accessible support for every patient.
Systemic barriers further complicate this growing need for mental health care. A recent survey conducted by the APA and APA Services, Inc., revealed that 34% of psychologists are no longer accepting any form of health insurance, despite nearly half of them having done so in the past. For rural communities, where mental health professionals are already scarce, this trend adds yet another layer of difficulty in accessing critical care.
A Fulfilling Career at Cornerstone Care
Working at a community health center like Cornerstone Care offers LCSWs and LPCs the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of underserved populations. The rewards are plentiful, not only in the form of professional growth and collaboration but in the deep, personal satisfaction that comes from improving mental health care in a community.
At Cornerstone, LCSWs and LPCs are an integral part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team. As Kylee explains, “Being part of a network that includes primary care providers, dentists, eye doctors and more is incredibly rewarding. The communication across teams ensures that no patient falls through the cracks. We’re all focused on the same goals, reinforcing each other’s work for the benefit of the patient.”
This collaborative environment allows LCSWs and LPCs at Cornerstone to provide the best possible care by working closely with other providers, ensuring that mental health is addressed alongside physical and dental health, school-based services and more.
Apply today!
Cornerstone Care offers a dynamic and supportive environment for LCSWs and LPCs who are ready to make a lasting impact on rural communities. If you’re passionate about providing comprehensive mental health care, addressing critical community needs and working in an environment where your contributions truly matter, apply today to join the Cornerstone team! https://cornerstonecare.com/resources/careers
