Conditions in the West and ranching culture, including the rural geography, the cowboy mystique, the social fabric of the rural lifestyle, and the “health” of agriculture can negatively impact the delivery of rural health services and the attitude of ranchers and farmers toward seeking help for personal problems. This paper outlines how these conditions may create a behavioral hazard to ranchers, farmers and individuals in the West. Also highlighted are strategies that exist to improve the availability and acceptance of rural behavioral health services.
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