Block granting disburses mental health funds largely at the discretion of state mental health authorities, and state priorities typically focus on the most severely ill persons. Rural centers may suffer because multipurpose programs responding to a wide range of community needs are excluded from the mental health service delivery concept. (JHZ)

Identifies psychotherapeutic and professional skills and personal characteristics important for private practice of marriage/family therapy in rural areas. Discusses implications for professional training. Describes private practice in geographically isolated Wyoming community, citing importance of skills in adjunct professional activities, i.e.,…

Introduces five papers in special issue on prevention in rural mental health services. Emphasizes importance of giving attention to characteristics of the rural population and to the scarcity of information about prevention applied to special conditions of rural settings. (LFL)

Reviews historical patterns in the employment of rural women and explains the policy implications of their unique labor market experiences. Analyzes current differences between rural and urban female employment, emphasizing the narrow range of occupations open to rural women and their resulting employment deprivation and vulnerability to poverty.…

Outlines the high incidence of poverty among the rural elderly, their sources of income, and their helping networks. Calls attention to rural-urban differences, farm/nonfarm resident distinctions, regional differences, and characteristics of recent immigrants versus long-term residents. Urges social work interventions that address the distinctive…

A study of 34 lesbian women in an informal helping network in a rural community found that nearly half were uninvolved in heterosexual social networks. For help with personal problems, respondents turned to other lesbian women and nongay friends who knew of their affectional status. (JHZ)

Examines relationship of client and therapist characteristics to length of stay and premature treatment termination in 595 psychotherapy cases at a rural Arizona community health clinic. Finds results similar to those obtained in urban settings: small number of psychotherapy sessions attended and tendency to premature termination unrelated to…

Examines current social policies and the extent to which they address rural needs. Focuses on primary issues raised by programs of social insurance, public assistance, and economic development. Notes differences between pre- and post-transfer income and their impact on self-sufficiency for rural populations. (JHZ)

Suggests that rural cummunity psychology focus on preventive interventions instead of traditional service delivery. Discusses special nature of intervention in rural communities, types of preventive interventions, understanding/utilizing community social ecology, and training issues. Advocates greater preparation for rural psychology and greater…