“Health is a farmer’s most important and yet most neglected asset,” says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist. “When stresses pile up, it becomes distress and overwhelms.”

Right now, there is a lot going on with COVID-19 and lower commodity prices. But help is just a phone call or video chat away.

The University of Missouri Psychological Services Clinic is offering teleservices to help adults and children cope with anxiety and stress related to COVID-19.

Related: Complete coronavirus coverage

The clinic offers up to five brief sessions through videoconferencing or telephone, says Debora Bell, longtime director of the clinic.

Help for farmers

“This MU telehealth service comes during one of the busiest times for row crop farmers,” Funkenbusch adds. “Those in the horticultural industry also face financial uncertainty as distancing requirements threaten timely direct sales opportunities, such as farmers markets.”

In 2018, drought hurt many farming operations, notes Valerie Tate, MU Extension agronomist. “Then, in 2019, many farmers suffered from things beyond their control such as excess rain, flood and market prices,” she says. “They began 2020 with high tensions and hopes for a better year. Now, they worry about protecting their families from the coronavirus, as well as social isolation.”

Tate, who works with farmers and cattle producers in north-central Missouri, says rural residents sometimes avoid mental health treatment because of perceived stigma. Travel also is an issue for rural clients living in areas where mental health services are not available.

At-home counseling

The MU Psychological Services Clinic’s telehealth service gives them the option to receive treatment in the privacy of their own homes, Tate says. “For many, this will be a more comfortable and accessible option.”

Bell says therapists will offer skills to help with stress, uncertainty or social isolation. This includes problem-solving, scheduling positive activities, positive thinking and reactions, and building connections.

Clients with insurance coverage who receive services from licensed providers will pay their standard copay. For clients without insurance and clients seen by doctoral student trainees, the fee is $20 per session. This fee is waived for clients with Medicaid. Need-based fee assistance and scholarships are available.

Call 573-882-5805 or visit psychology.missouri.edu for more information or to make an appointment.

“Farmers, because of their strong and independent nature, often are reluctant to talk about these issues,” Funkenbusch says. “Fortunately, resources are available. If you need help or know of someone who needs help, reach out.”

For resources specific to farmers and farm families, visit the Missouri AgrAbility Project at agrability.missouri.edu and MU Extension Show-Me Strong Farm Families page on Facebook. For more information, contact Funkenbusch at [email protected].

Source: The University of Missouri, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.