Rural psychiatric services in western Australia.

The literature pertinent to the delivery of psychiatric services to rural areas is briefly surveyed. Existing rural psychiatric services in Western Australia, the largest State in Australia and a vast sparsely populated area, are described. These services are currently only of a rudimentary nature. Lack of appropriate professional staff is the major factor inhibiting further development of the services. Possible alternative models for the future are described. Flexibility and diversity of services to meet local conditions and staff availability are advocated.