Improving mental health understanding for young Black adults

Building a Community-Based Mental Health Literacy Intervention for African American Young Adults

NIH-funded research Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10890863

This study is all about helping Black and African American young adults, aged 18-35, better understand and access mental health resources, especially after the tough times brought on by COVID-19, by creating a supportive program that fits their community needs.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Piscataway, United States)
Project IDNIH-10890863 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing mental health literacy among Black/African American young adults, who face significant barriers to accessing mental health care. The project aims to develop a community-based intervention that addresses trauma and substance use, particularly in the context of challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. By collaborating with a Community Advisory Board, the intervention will be culturally tailored and guided by established psychological theories to effectively promote understanding and utilization of mental health resources. The program will be piloted with young adults aged 18-35 from various community settings, such as colleges and barbershops.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Black/African American young adults aged 18-35 who may be experiencing trauma or substance use issues.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 18-35 or those not identifying as Black/African American may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health outcomes and increased engagement in mental health care among Black/African American young adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that community-based interventions can effectively improve mental health literacy and care engagement in similar populations.

Where this research is happening

Piscataway, 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.