Improving mental health services for young children at risk
Official title: Engaging Mental Health Services for Preschoolers at Risk
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-10951843 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping young kids aged 3 to 5 who might be struggling with their mental health, especially those from low-income and diverse backgrounds, by finding ways to make it easier for their families to get the support and care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $240,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R34MH137224-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951843 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preschool-aged children (3-5 years) from low-income families, particularly those who are Black or Latinx, and who exhibit developmental concerns.
✕Less likely to help
Children who do not exhibit developmental concerns or who are outside the age range of 3-5 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing mental health services for preschoolers aged 3-5 years who are at risk for developmental concerns, particularly among low-income and ethnically diverse populations. It aims to identify and address barriers that prevent early diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders in these children. The approach includes a peer-based family navigator program designed to empower caregivers and improve their engagement with healthcare services. By fostering trust and providing support, the program seeks to facilitate timely referrals and interventions for children in need.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and treatment of mental health issues in preschoolers, improving their long-term developmental outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using peer-based support programs to improve engagement in mental health services among similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burkett, Karen — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Burkett, Karen
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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.