Improving engagement in mental health services for individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis.
Official title: Optimizing Engagement in Services for First-Episode Psychosis (FEP) in the Community Mental Health Setting
Funded at California State Univ San Bernardino · NIH-10807050 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to find better ways to help people experiencing their first episode of psychosis, especially in Latino communities, by testing a special 12-session program that aims to keep them engaged in mental health services and comparing it to regular treatment, with support for both the individuals and their families.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State Univ San Bernardino NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Bernardino, United States) |
| Project start | April 9, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $134,296 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MH119313-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10807050 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis, particularly within Latino communities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing first-episode psychosis or those who do not belong to the targeted communities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the engagement of individuals with first-episode psychosis (FEP) in community mental health services, particularly among Latino populations. It aims to identify effective interventions and understand how these interventions can improve patient engagement and outcomes. The study will develop a 12-session Behavioral Activation program tailored for FEP and compare its effectiveness to standard treatment over six months. Participants will include individuals with FEP and their family caregivers, who will also engage in family support groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved engagement and better long-term outcomes for individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that Behavioral Activation can effectively improve engagement and outcomes in similar populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
California State Univ San Bernardino
San Bernardino, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santos, Maria M — California State Univ San Bernardino
- Study coordinator: Santos, Maria M
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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.