In recognition of the greater needs of low socioeconomic status persons, federal grant policy has favored areas in which 25 percent or more of the population is impoverished. Areas of greater poverty have more resources both in terms of service structure and level of manpower, yet broad inequities are found when the rural-urban status of a mental health service area (catchment area) is considered. Regardless of the proportion of the population in poverty, metropolitan areas are more favorably endowed. Problems encountered in servicing rural areas are numerous. Sparsely settled areas cannot finance meaningful private sector mental health systems; low tax bases are insufficient to support public service systems. Provision of services is costly, and qualified manpower are not attracted to rural areas where professional interaction is low. Current programs should be examined to detect barriers to rural participation. More resources and local political organization may be needed to develop programs that will directly address the mental health needs of rural America. This study assesses mental health resources and examines facilities, services and manpower. Tabular data compares proportion of population in poverty with service structure, facility manpower hours, rural-urban status, and service modifications needed. (AUTHOR/DS)