The Failure to Utilize Mental Health Services in the American West: Case Study of the Lite Day Treatment Program in Big Hom County, Wyoming
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Authors
Crist, Dawn R.
Issue Date
1997
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The American West differs from what professional scholars have been
studying for years -- "Rural America". Although they share several key characteristics, Frontier Rural America is distinguished by great degrees of
isolation (less than 7 persons per square mile), great distances from central
market areas, difficult terrain and climate, unstable economy, and even
higher degrees of social problems (suicides, homicides, drug/alcohol abuse,
violence in the home) per capita. Yet, in these little towns, sprinkled
throughout the American West, few social services can be found and, those
existing, often close down due to lack of community interest, support, and use.
The social service programs offered are often based upon urban models failing
to adequately consider the cultural belief systems of the West. This is not
surprising if we take into account the lack of information in existence on the
topic. Other factors influence the lack of response to mental heath care
services introduced to Frontier Rural America. By interning at a newly introduced
social program in Big Horn County, Wyoming, holding community
and program member discussion groups, and creating and conducting a
randomized questionnaire, I uncovered some of these factors. It is possible that
the findings may also apply to other frontier rural communities in the United
States also struggling with high degrees of social problems coupled with a low
degree of mental health care use.
Description
iv, 168 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo, Mich. : Kalamazoo College.
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.