Improving communication about early mental health risks in young children
Official title: Leveraging the Extension of Community Health-Outcomes (ECHO) telementoring program to improve family-centered and equitable communication about early mental health risk in pediatric primary care
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10843630 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping doctors talk better with families about mental health risks in young kids, so they can spot any issues early and get the right support for children aged 0-11.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $302,881 |
| NIH project number | 1P50MH132502-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10843630 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include families with children aged 0-11 years who may be at risk for mental health issues and are seeking guidance from pediatric primary care providers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have children in the specified age range or those who are not engaged in pediatric primary care may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing communication between pediatric primary care providers and families regarding early mental health risks in children aged 0-11 years. It utilizes the ECHO telementoring program to train clinicians on effective, equitable communication strategies that consider cultural backgrounds and family dynamics. The approach includes universal screening tools for toddlers to identify mental health risks early and provide appropriate interventions. By addressing clinician biases and improving their confidence, the program aims to foster better engagement with families about mental health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and intervention for mental health issues in young children, ultimately improving their long-term mental health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that similar approaches to improving clinician communication and early mental health screening can lead to positive outcomes in child mental health.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spencer, Andrea — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Spencer, Andrea
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Improving mental health care for underserved youth using digital tools
This study is all about making mental health care better for kids aged 0-11 from underserved communities by using digital tools, and it involves working with teens and their families to find out what gets in the way of getting help, so we can create a friendly system that fits their needs right in a Chicago clinic.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.