Addressing the needs of rural youth: An analysis of mental health service provision in the rural context

This thesis is an investigation of the relationship between the rural mental health services and education systems with regard to service provision for youth, and identification of the perceived barriers to service delivery. Explored were the degree of functionality of the current system, and the perceived current and potential roles of the education system with regard to mental health. There are currently barriers perceived to exist in the rural mental health system's approach to service; this research sought to understand the degree to which the barrier(s) is a systems, training and/or social barrier. This subject was explored through in-depth interviews with key informants from the mental health services system in Huron County as well as representatives from the guidance departments of the high schools within the jurisdiction of the Avon Maitland District School Board, and analysis of secondary data; analysis including a thematic analytical procedure informed by System's Theory.