Finding Freedom in Appalachia: Evaluating a Mental Health Intervention in West Virginia

Authors

Elizabeth A. Claydon, West Virginia UniversityFollow
Karen Haring, Libera, Inc.Follow
Jessica Haring, Libera, Inc.Follow
Kelsey Riggi, Libera, Inc.Follow
Beth Currence, Libera, Inc.Follow

Corresponding Author

Elizabeth Claydon:

West Virginia University School of Public Health, 64 Medical Center Drive, P.O. Box 9190, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States.

E-mail: elizabeth.claydon@hsc.wvu.edu

Author Affiliations

1. Elizabeth A. Claydon, PhD, MPH, MS: Assistant Professor, School of Public Health, West Virginia University (Morgantown WV); email: elizabeth.claydon@hsc.wvu.edu; ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8153-5132
2. Karen Haring, BME: Founder, Libera, Inc. (Morgantown WV)
3. Jessica Haring, LPC, MA, BFA: Licensed Professional Counselor, Libera Inc.
4. Kelsey Riggi, BA: Executive Director, Libera Inc.
5. Beth Currence, BS: Program Director (Libera Groups), Libera Inc.

Author Area of Expertise

EC - mental health, evaluation, qualitative research, eating disorders, public health

KH - mental health, community-based interventions

JH - mental health, counseling, community-based interventions

KR - mental health, community-based interventions, program management

BC - mental health, community-based interventions

Abstract

Introduction: Rural areas have limited capacity to provide comprehensive mental health treatment and resources. This creates the need for interventions to ensure individuals with mental health concerns have access to resources to improve their mental health.

Purpose: The purpose of this mixed-methods evaluation was to assess the effectiveness and impact of Libera, a mental health program tailored for girls and women within the Appalachian region.

Methods: Quantitative surveys, including validated measures for depression, anxiety, and eating disorder symptoms, and life satisfaction, were collected pre- and post-Libera intervention for participants. Simultaneously, annual surveys were sent to Listeners in addition to qualitative semi-structured interviews. Data were collected from August 2019 – November 2021. All data were analyzed from December 2021 – March 2022 using SAS JMP 16 for quantitative data and NVivo 14 for qualitative.

Results: Participants showed significant improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms, and life satisfaction following the Libera intervention. Disordered eating symptoms did not significantly improve. Similarly, Listeners showed changes from their training and experiences, with positive reactions, learning, behavior change, and effective results for them and their participants.

Implications: This study provides evidence for Libera’s use among Appalachian women and girls. Participants experienced many improvements in mental health following completion of the Libera program. Additionally, Listeners leading groups experienced positive changes in learning and behavior. The results also indicate areas to continue strengthening the program with resources and training in specialized topics (such as eating disorders or Safe Zone training).

DOI

https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0701.02

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Claydon EA, Haring K, Haring J, Riggi K, Currence B. Finding freedom in Appalachia: evaluating a mental health intervention in West Virginia. J Appalach Health 2025;7(1):22-46. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0701.02