Fighting the Stigma: Using Telehealth to Connect Rural Hoosiers with Mental Health Care

Each May, we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month—a time dedicated to breaking down barriers, educating the public, and shining a light on the importance of emotional well-being. Mental health affects every part of our lives: how we think, feel, act, and relate to others. Yet, for many, accessing the care they need remains out of reach—especially in rural areas.

Fortunately, telehealth is changing that. Once seen as a niche service, virtual care has quickly become a powerful tool to treat mental health issues. With just a phone, tablet, or computer, patients can now connect with licensed professionals from the comfort of their homes—no long drives, no waiting rooms, and no unnecessary exposure to stigma.

Mental Health in Rural Indiana

In rural Indiana, mental health needs are high—but access to care is often low. Many communities face a shortage of mental health professionals, and residents may have to travel hours to reach the nearest clinic. Add to that limited public transportation, broadband challenges, and the high cost of care, and it becomes clear why so many rural Hoosiers go without support.

But untreated mental health conditions don’t just disappear. They can worsen over time, affecting relationships, job performance, physical health, and overall quality of life. For rural residents—many of whom already face economic hardship or isolation—accessible mental health treatment is not just important, it's essential.

Mental Health Stigma

One of the biggest barriers to mental health care isn’t physical—it’s social. Stigma surrounding mental health persists across the country, but it can be especially strong in small, tight-knit communities. In rural Indiana, where everyone tends to know each other, people often fear being judged or misunderstood for seeking help.

This stigma is deeply rooted in cultural values that emphasize self-reliance and toughness. While these traits can be strengths, they may also discourage individuals from admitting they’re struggling. As a result, many suffer in silence, afraid to be seen as weak or "broken."

Telehealth for Rural Hoosiers

Telehealth offers a solution. By making care more private and more accessible, it removes some of the biggest hurdles rural residents face. A patient can now speak with a therapist or psychiatrist from their home, without the need to explain their whereabouts to neighbors or take time off work to travel.

But the impact of telehealth goes beyond convenience. It also has the power to normalize mental health care. When people see that treatment can be easy, helpful, and tailored to their needs, they’re more likely to consider it as a valid option. Over time, this helps chip away at the stigma.

Fighting the Stigma

Ending mental health stigma is a community effort—but every step matters. Promoting open conversations, sharing stories of recovery, and offering judgment-free support all contribute to changing perceptions.

Telehealth is an important part of that change. It not only increases access to care but also gives individuals a chance to receive help discreetly and on their own terms. By empowering more rural Hoosiers to prioritize their mental well-being, telehealth can help rewrite the narrative around mental health—one virtual session at a time.