The Friends and Family for Mental Health Program: a pilot study of a cognitive behavioral therapy skills intervention for rural adults.

Introduction: Limited access to psychological treatment is a pressing problem in the US, especially in more rural areas. One potentially underutilized resource is informal care from friends and family members. Although those in rural areas rely on informal care more than those in urban areas, there is little to guide interested caregivers in how they can be most effective.

Methods: In this study, we conducted a pilot test of the Friends and Family for Mental Health Program, a mental health skills program we developed to enhance informal care and reduce psychological symptoms among informal caregivers. To provide an initial test of the potential benefits of this program, we evaluated the impact of the program on informal care skills, hope, psychological symptoms, and mental health skills.

Results: Informal care skills and hope improved. Participants also reported reduced anxiety. We considered intervention feedback to inform intervention development.

Discussion: Overall, findings provided preliminary support for the program and provide directions for future refinements.

Conclusion: Though further research is needed, initial evidence suggests mental health skills programs directed at informal caregivers are both desired and beneficial in rural areas.