Community-Based Interventions for Mental Health

This trial aims to improve mental health care in the Harlem community by testing various collaborative approaches, including the Learning Collaborative and MH task-sharing training. It explores how different organizations can work together to make mental health services more accessible and effective. Participants receive training and resources on mental health care and may use technology tools to assess their impact on outcomes. Good candidates for the trial are Black and Latino adults living in Harlem with moderate depression or anxiety. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to contribute to innovative mental health solutions in their community.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

Research shows that different community organizations collaborate to improve access to mental health care. Studies examine how mental health services can integrate into regular health care and other community services.

Specific information about the safety of these collaborative care models is not yet available. However, they generally apply existing, safe mental health practices in innovative ways. The trial is labeled "Not Applicable" for its phase, indicating a focus on studying effectiveness rather than testing a new drug or treatment. This suggests the approach is not expected to pose significant safety risks to participants.

For the technology-enhanced model, specific safety data is also unavailable. The technology likely supports existing community and health services, which are usually well-tolerated. The focus remains on improving coordination and access, not introducing new treatments.

Researchers are excited about these mental health interventions because they focus on empowering communities and integrating technology in innovative ways. The Education and Resources approach offers online training to equip community members with mental health skills, like screening and psychoeducation, alongside a directory of local resources. The Multisector Collaborative Care model goes a step further by adding training on teamwork and care coordination, which is crucial for addressing complex needs. Finally, the addition of technology tools in the Multisector Collaborative Care and Technology arm aims to enhance the effectiveness of these interventions, potentially improving both implementation and consumer outcomes. Unlike traditional mental health care that often relies on individual therapy sessions or medication, these interventions promote community-based support and collaborative care, which could make mental health resources more accessible and effective.

This trial will evaluate different community-based interventions for mental health. One treatment arm, the Multisector Collaborative Care (MCC) Model, involves collaboration across various sectors to improve mental health care. Research has shown that such collaborations help coordinate care and make it easier for people to access necessary services. Another arm, Multisector Collaborative Care and Technology, will assess the impact of adding a technology-based implementation tool. Evidence suggests that using technology in these collaborations improves results by enhancing communication and tracking progress. Additionally, the Education and Resources arm focuses on sharing tasks among different roles, which has shown promise in making mental health care more accessible and effective. Overall, these methods aim to enhance mental health support by utilizing community resources and technology.²³⁴⁶⁷