Rural assistance for mental health
Virtual Psychologist, a recently launched text counselling service, has received an overwhelmingly positive response from members of the community, particularly among rural men. The innovative service allows people in remote parts of Australia to directly connect with qualified mental health clinicians via SMS, email, phone and face-to-face.
Although it is well recognised by BeyondBlue that farming is a physically and psychologically demanding occupation, characterised by high rates of stress, injury and suicide, people living in Australia’s rural areas often face significant barriers in accessing healthcare and mental health support.
This is where Virtual Psychologist has stepped in. The SMS service — the first of its kind — launched in February 2018 and the initiative is at the forefront in breaking down both the stigma of men’s mental health and barriers of access faced by regional Australians.
Rural people can access the service via text on 0488 807 266, or at
virtualpsychologist.com.au/home
The rate of suicide among young men who live outside major cities is almost twice as high as their metropolitan counterparts. The best prevention is getting men help as early as possible.