Evaluating the Common Elements Treatment Approach with Mothers in Lima, Peru to Improve Mental Health, Parenting, and Economic Outcomes in a Community Care Setting

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the Common Elements Treatment Approach CETA, a transdiagnostic and modular therapy, delivered by trained lay paraprofessionals to mothers of young children aged 4 to 6 in a low-resource community in Lima, Peru. This study aims to assess the direct and indirect effects of CETA on womens mental health, intimate partner violence, parenting skills, economic outcomes, and their childrens adjustment. The trial also investigates factors influencing treatment effectiveness, such as implementation quality and neighborhood environment, and evaluates the cost-effectiveness of this approach. Participants are randomized to receive either CETA combined with Enhanced Case Management ECM or ECM alone. CETA is a flexible, personalized cognitive behavioral therapy program lasting about 8 to 12 sessions, covering modules like anxiety and depression management, exposure therapy, and caregiving skills. ECM involves structured intake, referrals, guided support, and follow-up interviews to connect women with local social services. Both interventions are delivered in person at a community organization over approximately 12 weeks. Women participate in baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months. These include interviews and observational evaluations covering mental health symptoms, intimate partner violence, parenting behaviors, child adjustment, and economic indicators. Data is collected through multiple methods and sources, including participant reports and neighborhood assessments. The study is expected to last about 14.5 months per participant, providing detailed insight into the sustainability and broader effects of maternal mental health treatment in this setting.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA) in Peru: Mechanisms of Individual and Intergenerational Change