Navigating Mental Health Services for Children in Urban Poverty
Patient Navigators for Children's Community Mental Health Services in High Poverty Urban Communities
This study is testing if having community helpers can make it easier for African American and Latinx kids living in urban poverty to get the mental health care they need compared to just waiting for help.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 154 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 14 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois at Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT05294042 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study focuses on a model of mental health navigation aimed at African American and Latinx children aged 0-14 in high poverty urban areas. It seeks to reduce barriers to care by employing paraprofessional navigators who understand the community's needs. The effectiveness of these navigators will be compared to an active waitlist condition, where families receive periodic check-ins. The study aims to identify mechanisms that enhance access to mental health services and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in children's mental health care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are African American and Latinx children aged 0-14 who are new referrals on the waitlist for outpatient mental health services.
Not a fit: Patients who do not belong to the targeted racial or ethnic groups or are not on the waitlist for mental health services may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve access to mental health services for underserved children and their families.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using navigation strategies to improve access to health services, particularly in addressing disparities in care.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * African American and Latinx Children between 0 and 14 years of age and their caregiver * New referrals on the waitlist for outpatient mental health services; families interested and engaged in social services from two state supported projects. * Have been screened and deemed appropriate for services at one of two social service participating community mental health agencies; or engaged in services via navigation projects Exclusion Criteria: * N/A
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tara Mehta, PhD — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Tara G Mehta, PhD
- Email: tmehta@uic.edu
- Phone: 312-996-3910
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.