SUPERA: Helping Spanish-speaking patients in primary care get digital therapy for anxiety and depression
SUPERA: Supporting Peer Interactions to Expand Access to Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Spanish-speaking Safety-Net Patients in Primary Care
This project helps Spanish-speaking patients in primary care clinics access digital cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression with support from peers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127760 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many Spanish-speaking Latinx patients face challenges getting mental health care for conditions like depression and anxiety, even when their doctors suggest it. These patients often go to public healthcare clinics that might not have enough Spanish-speaking mental health experts. Digital tools, like online therapy programs, can be a great way to overcome these barriers and offer effective treatment. This project will introduce and test a new program called SUPERA, which uses peer support to help patients use these digital therapies. Our goal is to make sure more people can get the mental health care they need, improving their well-being.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Spanish-speaking Latinx patients experiencing depression and anxiety who receive care in primary care settings, especially those in safety-net clinics.
Not a fit: Patients who do not speak Spanish or are not experiencing depression or anxiety may not directly benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this project could significantly improve access to effective mental health care for Spanish-speaking patients experiencing anxiety and depression.
How similar studies have performed: Digital interventions for mental health have shown effectiveness in other countries, but their uptake and engagement in the U.S., especially for underserved populations, remain low.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schueller, Stephen — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Schueller, Stephen
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 below.