Promoting Mental Health in Rural Youth

In Wisconsin, one in five youth have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Youth in rural communities experience higher rates of depression and suicide relative to their peers in urban areas. There is often a lack of prevention and health promotion efforts in rural communities as well as problems with access to mental and behavioral health care.

This research project will engage caregivers, youth, Extension educators, school personnel, and community mental health professionals across six rural counties to identify needs and priorities for a framework of supporting positive youth mental health.

Principal Investigator

Andy Garbacz, Associate Professor, School Psychology Program, Department of Educational Psychology, School of Education; Co-Director, Rural Education Research and Implementation Center, Wisconsin Center for Education Research

Co-Principal Investigator

Jen Park-Mroch, Extension Health and Well-Being State Specialist