Engaging Latino Communities with Serious Mental Illness Using Peer-Delivered Motivational Interviewing A 6-Week Culturally Responsive Mental Health Support Program

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying a motivational interviewing intervention delivered by Latino peers to improve mental health treatment engagement among Latinos with serious mental illness who are not currently in treatment. This pilot study aims to assess how feasible it is to recruit 30 participants into a 6-week program and how acceptable the intervention is to these individuals. The study also explores key psychological factors that may help increase treatment engagement. Participants receive six weekly sessions, each lasting about 60 minutes, focused on motivational interviewing themes such as exploring personal strengths, addressing mental health myths, and planning for growth. The intervention is culturally adapted and delivered by trained Latino peers in a single group format. Assessments occur before starting, immediately after the 6-week intervention, and at 30 and 60 days post-intervention to evaluate engagement and acceptability. During the study, participants complete weekly measures, pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, and follow-up assessments at 30 and 60 days after the final session. Researchers measure treatment engagement using self-reported initiation or re-initiation of formal mental health care and other indicators like session attendance and skill use. Satisfaction with the intervention and qualitative feedback on acceptability are also collected. The entire participation spans about 3 months from enrollment through follow-up.

Abriendo Caminos: Engaging Latinos