Seven in ten adults living in rural Pennsylvania (69%) indicated they have experienced symptoms of depression or have been concerned about a family member or friend dealing with depression during the past year. This is among the findings of a new poll of 508 rural Pennsylvania residents conducted by Russell Research on behalf of the mental health nonprofit RuralMinds.
The poll, fielded during August 2025, also showed that three in four rural Pennsylvanians (76%) are aware of talk therapy as a depression treatment or intervention, and more than two-thirds (68%) are aware of pharmacological treatments. However, significantly less are aware of additional therapies. For example, only 17% indicated being aware of digital therapeutics and 11% knew of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
Seven in ten rural Pennsylvanians (71%) responded that they would be comfortable talking about mental health challenges with a mental health professional or counselor. And more than one-half of rural Pennsylvanians (55%) would be comfortable talking about mental health challenges with a close family member. However, only two in five rural Pennsylvanians (39%) would be comfortable talking about mental health challenges with a trusted coworker or friend.
“Depression is a significant challenge for people living in rural areas,” said Robert E. Nelson, MD, Co-Owner DGR Behavioral Health, LLC and Medical Director at Caron Counseling Center in Wyomissing, PA.“Additionally, the factors leading to depression can be different for those living outside urban and suburban communities.”
“For example, some of my rural patients are reluctant to seek help until the situation is much more severe than necessary. This is often because of the stigma associated with mental health issues that makes it more difficult for people to even admit they are suffering.”
Established in 2021, Rural Minds is the only national 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on advocating for rural mental health equity, promoting mental wellness, and providing information and resources to confront rural mental health challenges and the stigma that surrounds mental illness. The organization serves the 46 million people living in farming, ranching, and agriculture communities, small towns, and isolated areas in the country across rural America.
“Common barriers to mental health treatment for residents of rural areas include the lack of confidentiality in small communities, fewer providers and greater distance to access mental health services. In addition,many rural residents are either uninsured or underinsured,” said Jeff Winton, founder and chairman of Rural Minds. “Much of the data from this poll in Pennsylvania are in keeping with many other rural communities across the country.”
Established in 2021, Rural Minds is the only national 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on advocating for rural mental health equity, promoting mental wellness, and providing information and resources to confront rural mental health challenges and the stigma that surrounds mental illness. The organization serves the 46 million people living in farming, ranching, and agriculture communities, small towns, and isolated areas in the country across rural America. For additional information from the poll, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Nelson or Jeff Winton contact Adriel McMahan, adriel@ruralminds.org.
The poll was sponsored through a grant from Otsuka Precision Health.