Engaging Mental Health Services for Preschoolers at Risk

Study Summary

Most mental health (MH) disorders develop in early childhood but are not clinically identified or treated until later-delaying treatment services that could prevent the enduring effects of long-term MH problems. Moreover, low income, ethno-racial minoritized children who exhibit higher rates of persistent MH disorders, are at greater risk for lags in identification and treatment. Head Start (HStart) has shown early school success for low-income children, aged 3-5 years, who are disproportionately Black or Latinx. HStart monitors early childhood MH symptoms, yet studies have found that when detected, only those most impaired are referred for treatment. In our research, the investigators learned that system and individual level barriers preclude early treatment among HStart preschoolers with developmental concern. The investigators showed that caregivers encountered system barriers of HStart teachers and primary care providers (PCPs) falling behind in referrals for intervention, and caregiver beliefs about stigma, their limited knowledge and distrust of healthcare hindered early engagement in services. Studies on MH treatment obstacles for low-income, ethno-racial minoritized people illustrate similar barriers to those found among HStart preschoolers with developmental concern. We developed and tested an ethno-racially matched, peer-based family navigator program for HStart preschoolers with developmental concern. Navigators used trust and empowerment to increase caregiver advocacy thereby leading to improved professional alliances and treatment. A navigator program for those with primary MH concerns has not been trialed. For Aim 1, the investigators aim to tailor and trial in a case series the Navigate-Train-Referral-Intervention Mental Health (NTRI-MH) intervention to promote access, engagement, coordination, and optimization of services for preschoolers with MH symptoms. The investigators have used focus group feedback from caregiver, navigator, HStart teacher, and

Primary Outcome

This is a 7-item Likert scale questionnaire that elicits caregivers' and family navigators' opinions regarding the format, content, length, and convenience of the intervention. Score Range: 7-28 (the higher the score, better satisfaction)

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• OTHER NTRI-MH

Study Locations (1)