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Rural Mental Health Innovation

FaithNet

Integrated telepsychiatric assessment and treatment in rural primary care offices in Southern Indiana. Provides rapid connection to mental health professionals through trusted local providers.

An initiative of Deaconess Memorial Medical Center and the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington.

Aerial view of Martin County, Indiana rural landscape
Connecting rural communities with mental health professionals through innovative telehealth integration

What is FaithNet?

FaithNet is a program designed to bring mental health services to counties in rural Indiana. It allows individuals to access mental health assessment and treatment via telehealth technology, initiated through their primary medical care provider. Quick connections to social workers and psychiatric nurse practitioners allow for fast responses to mental health needs, while patient coordinators provide assistance with social needs or living situations that can affect mental health. FaithNet aims to reduce reliance on hospital emergency rooms by making mental health care available to people where they are, and when they need it. Launched with a 2020 HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) grant in Martin County, FaithNet partners with Deaconess Memorial Medical Center, local medical clinics, and Faith Community Nurses to deliver mental health services where they're needed most.

How FaithNet Works

Discover how we integrate mental health care into your primary care experience

Seamless Integration

Your primary health care provider can connect you immediately to FaithNet professionals during or soon after a standard office visit.

  • Private consultation: Visit with mental health care professionals via a secure video connection in a private room or on your personal device
  • Immediate triage: Quick response to your mental health crisis—assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning

Simple & Reliable

FaithNet telehealth technology is user friendly and works seamlessly with wifi or cellular networks.

  • High-quality video & audio – Clear, HIPAA-compliant connections available using telehealth technology

Ongoing Support

  • Follow-up sessions – Up to six additional telehealth sessions available if needed

Who Is Faith Net For

FaithNet delivers mental health care through your trusted primary care provider. With telehealth convenience and local providers who understand your community and your individual situation, you get the care you need without delays or the barriers often associated with seeking mental health services. The convenience of FaithNet, for example, means you won’t experience the issues associated with visiting a hospital emergency room. Like all medical care, FaithNet sessions are private, and information about your participation is protected by law.

Thanks to a new $1.75 million HRSA award (UL8TH53326) that began in October 2024, FaithNet is expanding beyond Martin and Orange Counties to serve additional rural Indiana communities.

The FaithNet Journey

From innovative idea to expanding rural mental health access

HRSA Grant Awarded

2020

FaithNet receives initial grant funding of $1.2 million from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to develop telepsychiatric triage and treatment services for rural primary care clinics.

Martin County Launch

2021

FaithNet officially launches in Martin County, partnering with Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center (Jasper), Loogootee Family Medicine, Martin County Health Center (Shoals), and local Faith Community Nurses to provide integrated mental health services.

Proven Success Model

2022-2023

FaithNet demonstrates effective integration of mental health services in rural primary care in Martin County and expands to French Lick Family Medicine in Orange County. It provides better access to mental health services, increased patient satisfaction, and improved clinical outcomes, establishing a successful basis for expanding the program into more rural Indiana counties.

Evidence & Impact

2024

Research publications highlight FaithNet's innovative approach. Primary care providers endorse the program and make consistent referrals to their patients. Responses and outcomes indicate that FaithNet is successfully compensating for the lack of mental health care in rural Martin County. Patient response showcases real-world impact on rural mental health access and stigma reduction.

$1.75 Million Grant and Growth

2025

A $1.75 million, five-year HRSA grant enables FaithNet to continue serving Martin and Orange Counties while expanding both the types of services offered and the number of counties where FaithNet will operate.

Perry County Expansion

2026

FaithNet expanded into Perry County in January 2026, and services became available at Memorial Health Bristow (Deaconess Clinic Family Medicine - Bristow).

Statewide Vision

Future

FaithNet's proven model positions it to expand across rural Indiana, transforming how mental health care is delivered in underserved communities throughout the state. FaithNet is on schedule to bring services to a new rural Indiana county every year for the remainder of the HRSA grant period.

Our Partners

Deaconess Memorial Medical Center

Formerly Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center.

Deaconess Clinic Family Medicine – Bristow

Formerly Memorial Health Bristow.

Deaconess Clinic Family Medicine – Loogootee

Formerly Loogootee Family Medicine.

Deaconess Clinic Family Medicine – Shoals

Formerly Martin County Health Center. Community health center offering FaithNet services to local residents.

Faith Community Nurses

Providing holistic care and support to connect community members with needed services.

Deaconess Family Medicine – French Lick

Formerly French Lick Family Medicine. Expanding FaithNet services to Orange County through our new HRSA grant partnership.