OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of brief behavioral intervention for insomnia in rural elderly. METHODS: Twenty older insomniacs (> or =65 years of age) were randomly assigned to sleep hygiene education (SHE; N = 9) or multicomponent behavioral treatment (MBT; N = 11). Rural care providers individually administered treatment (two in-person sessions/two telephone follow-ups). Training involved a two-day workshop. RESULTS: At posttreatment, 10 MBT participants no longer met criteria for insomnia compared to 3 SHE participants. CONCLUSION: Brief behavioral intervention for late-life insomnia can be quickly taught and effectively delivered by "real-world" care providers in rural primary care settings.