Improving mental health care for children by addressing social challenges

Attending to the “whole” child in mental health care: Utilizing a partnership approach to address social risk factors alongside an evidence-based psychotherapy

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-10891458

This study is working to improve mental health care for children by finding better ways to help them deal with tough social issues, like not having enough food or support, especially in low-to-middle income countries, and it involves parents and local counselors to create helpful and culturally relevant therapy options.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10891458 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing mental health care for children by addressing social risk factors that negatively impact their well-being. It aims to develop strategies that integrate these social challenges with evidence-based psychotherapies, particularly in low-to-middle income countries. By collaborating with lay counselors and guardians, the project seeks to create culturally-adapted therapeutic approaches that respond to the specific needs of children facing issues like food insecurity and lack of support. The methodology includes evaluating the effectiveness of these integrated strategies to improve mental health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are experiencing mental health challenges alongside significant social risk factors.

Not a fit: Patients who do not face social risk factors or who are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health outcomes for children by providing more comprehensive care that addresses both psychological and social needs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in integrating social factors with mental health treatments, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.