"Access should be affordable and not limited to health insurance participation or reimbursement, office hours, or transportation in rural areas. Investments should be made to expand chemical dependence treatment options within the county so that more residents may receive care close to home instead of having to travel elsewhere. Additionally, improving availability and access to existing chemical dependence treatment and services may encourage residents in need to seek treatment."
There are several reasons why mental health services are sparse in upstate New York. It can be difficult for mental health providers to work with a work poor uninsured in rural areas. The study of Otesego County said "understaffing remains a chronic problem due to high turnover and low recruitment rates." A possible solution is to train primary care providers to treat depression and anxiety.
