RESUMO
This article seeks to identify current research priorities in the area of rural behavioral health. The method for accomplishing this task begins by identifying several domains where policy has a potential to effect improvements in access or quality but has been hampered by lack of empirical knowledge. In each domain a synthesis of current research summarizes what is known and draws attention to knowledge gaps. Research questions in each domain are proposed. The policy domains are theoretically based, using a conceptual model of access to health care, with a focus on illness level (prevalence), enabling factors (the delivery system, organization and financing, the promise of telemedicine), and predisposing factors (special populations, beliefs, values, stigma).