Mental health

Psychometric properties of MERIT: A concise tool for community health workers to screen priority mental disorders

This study developed and tested a simple screening tool called MERIT to help community health workers in India identify common mental health problems. The tool covers issues like substance use, anxiety, depression, severe mental illness, and suicide risk, and can be used quickly by asking one person in a household. Results showed that the tool is reliable and accurate in most … [Read more...] about Psychometric properties of MERIT: A concise tool for community health workers to screen priority mental disorders

This study looked at how a community health worker–led mental health program helps people with depression and anxiety. The program included training in mindfulness and encouraged people to take an active role in managing their mental health. Among over 1,000 participants, the results showed that improvements were mainly linked to increased mindfulness and confidence in managing … [Read more...] about Examining theoretical mediators in a culturally adapted, community health worker-led intervention for depression and anxiety.

This study explored whether community health workers could take on a larger role in supporting mental health care within community organizations. Interviews with workers from five U.S. states showed that many were open to the idea and felt capable of doing tasks such as assessing mental health, supporting patients, and working with mental health specialists, especially if they … [Read more...] about From clinics to communities: community health workers’ perspectives on taking on the behavioral health care manager role for community-based geriatric depression treatment

This study examined how community health workers helped deliver a home-based mental health program for older adults with depression. Through regular visits, they built trust with participants by listening, showing empathy, and responding to immediate needs. They also adapted activities to keep participants engaged and relied on peer support among themselves to build confidence … [Read more...] about Community health workers fostering trust and engagement in a community-based intervention for depressive older adults in Peru: a qualitative study

This review examined mental health programs delivered by community health workers for Latine communities in the United States. Across 32 programs, most adapted the content, materials, or settings of interventions to better match the culture, language, and experiences of the communities they served. Programs that adapted their content often showed better mental health outcomes. … [Read more...] about Cultural Adaptations in Community Health Worker-Delivered Mental Health Interventions for U.S Latine Populations