Abstract
A qualitative research project examined the perceptions of rural community members toward mental illness and mental health services. The purpose was to gain insight into the lived experiences of rural individuals, focusing specifically on views held toward mental health treatment and mental illness. Ten Caucasian individuals served as participants and ranged widely in age. Using Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR; Hill, Thompson, Williams, 1997) a semi structured interview was conducted with each participant, by the primary researcher. Four main categories emerged: A) Stigma, B) Shortage of resources, C) Stressors, and D) Personal experience and mental health. Twenty-seven themes and 4 subthemes were identified across the categories. Further qualitative research can benefit rural communities by focusing on the role of rural volunteers and rural minorities. The study’s implications for refining, developing, and increasing rural mental health research, and implications for practice for mental health treatment providers in rural communities are discussed.