Community Mental Health--new approaches for rural areas using psychiatric social workers

In 1970, a private medical group practice serving a large rural area introduced pyschiatric social workers in an integrated clinic to provide accessible mental health services to all economic levels in the community. Public acceptance confirmed the demand. The rapidity with which other community mental health needs were subsequently recognized in the area, service instituted, and community funds and manpower mobilized to develop new community programs documents the rising awareness of health care needs in traditionally conservative rural areas. The acceptance by community members and physicians of psychiatric social workers as members of the health care team suggests the desirability of the group practice clinic for the introduction of nonphysician mental health care professionals. The unique position of the medical group practice for innovation in community health care delivery in outlying areas is evident.