Behavioral Health Risk Screening and Interventions for Farmers: Pilot Study in Vermont

The Farm First program enables farmers in Vermont experiencing problems to obtain supportive counseling and resources. This study investigated a pilot project to proactively screen farmers for behavioral health problems (i.e., anxiety, depression and substance use) and provide short-term evidence-based interventions from licensed counselors. A sample of 46 clients (35 farmers, 10 farm workers, 1 family member) reported on multiple outcome measures both at the start of use and at three months after final program use. Interventions included informational resources, referrals to local services and individual counseling (n=16; for 3.8 sessions of counseling over 11 weeks, on average). Positive changes were obtained for mental health risks (PHQ-4; clinical anxiety risk status was reduced from 30% of the sample at Pre to 9% at Post), alcohol misuse and use of some psychosocial coping techniques (all p< .05). A follow-up survey revealed positive user satisfaction and program impact (n=27).