Breaking Barriers: Mental Health Access in Rural Iowa | Telehealth, Stigma & Community Solutions
In this compelling episode of Partners in Ministry, host Dan Smith speaks with Beth Andrew, Executive Director at Quakerdale Family Services, and Larissa Marble, social work intern, about the challenges and innovations in rural mental health care across Iowa.
From provider shortages and transportation barriers to the impact of stigma in small communities, Beth and Larissa dive deep into the realities families face—and the creative solutions being implemented. Learn how Quakerdale is delivering hope through telehealth, in-home therapy, equine-assisted sessions, and even a cat lounge designed to support healing.
Discover how policy changes, local programs, and grassroots passion are helping to bridge the gap for rural families in need of mental health care.
Learn more about Quakerdale Family Services and how to access services or support their mission in the video description and show notes.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro & Guest Introductions
0:40 Barriers to Mental Health in Rural Areas
2:00 Workforce Shortages & Creative Solutions
4:00 Mental Health Stigma in Small Communities
5:00 Signs of Declining Mental Health
8:00 Telehealth, Policy Shifts & Training the Next Generation
10:00 How Quakerdale Brings Care to Families
11:45 Equine Therapy & Cat-Assisted Counseling
13:00 First Steps to Accessing Care
Recorded on Monday, April 14, 2025. Originally Broadcast on Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Quakerdale Family Services:
— Learn More at: http://quakerdalefamilyservices.org
— Subscribe to Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/QFS_SubscribeAW
— Contact Quakerdale Family Services:
— — Beth Andrew By Email: bandrew@quakerdalefamilyservices.org
— — Larissa Marble By Email: lmarble@quakerdalefamilyservices.org
— — By Phone: (641) 752-3912
— Social Media:
— — LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-andrew-b0aa4530/
— — Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quakerdalefamilyservices
— — Twitter: https://twitter.com/QDFamily
— Make a Donation: https://bit.ly/JWQF_QFSDonation
The Quakerdale Foundation:
— Learn More at: https://QuakerdaleFoundation.org
— Invest in Our Mission: https://QuakerdaleFoundation.org/Donate/
— Subscribe to Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Subscribe
— Send an Email: DSmith@Quakerdale-Foundation.org
— Connect by Phone: (641) 497-5294
Listen on Spotify: https://bit.ly/JWQF_SpotifyPodcast
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