Using community health workers to improve mental health care for Spanish-speaking parents
Official title: Community health worker implementation of transdiagnostic evidence-based treatment in Spanish: Advancing mental health equity for Latine parents
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11195031 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to provide mental health support to Spanish-speaking Latine parents by using community health workers to make sure the treatment fits their cultural and language needs, so they can get the help they deserve.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $177,012 |
| NIH project number | 5K08MD020100-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195031 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Spanish-speaking Latine parents seeking mental health support for themselves or their children.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not speak Spanish or are not part of the Latine community may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on implementing a mental health treatment model called the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA) delivered by community health workers (CHWs) to Spanish-speaking Latine parents. The project aims to adapt this evidence-based treatment to better fit the cultural and linguistic needs of the community, ensuring that care is accessible and relevant. By collaborating with community stakeholders, the research will refine the treatment approach and assess how well CHWs can deliver this care effectively. The study will also evaluate the factors that influence the successful implementation of this model in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to effective mental health care for Spanish-speaking Latine parents, reducing disparities in treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that community health workers can effectively deliver mental health treatments in various settings, indicating a promising approach for this population.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gustafson, Erika Luz — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Gustafson, Erika Luz
Related research
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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.