Voucher program helps farmers and their families access mental health care

Posted on July 10, 2023
Anyone in the agriculture industry who is interested can visit the website go.illinois.edu/farmstressvoucher. (Photo courtesy University of Illinois)

By IIS Radio

SPRINGFIELD – An initiative through the University of Illinois can help farmers get the mental health care they need.

The Illinois Agricultural Mental Health Voucher program connects farmers with local mental health professionals.

Producers and their family members can request vouchers for three free behavioral health sessions, says U of I assistant professor Josie Rudolphi.

“Farmers can take their vouchers to any of the partnering providers and do so in person or online. They hand over the voucher and we pay the provider on the back end, so there is no exchange of money or insurance information between the farmer and the provider,” said Rudolphi.

Rudolphi says so far more than 40 mental health providers are participating in the program with more to come.

Anyone in the agriculture industry who is interested can visit the website go.illinois.edu/farmstressvoucher.

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