Community Mental Health Journal[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Expanding Zero Suicide: Qualitative Assessment of Community Mental Health Center Partnerships Supporting Rural Suicide Prevention.
Marawala R, Delaney T
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42053721 · Publisher ↗
Rural communities in the United States have elevated suicide death rates and lower access to mental health services than more urbanized areas. Zero Suicide is a framework that promotes evidence-based suicide care for ind...
Rural communities in the United States have elevated suicide death rates and lower access to mental health services than more urbanized areas. Zero Suicide is a framework that promotes evidence-based suicide care for individuals at risk for suicide and is increasingly being adopted in rural healthcare and mental health provider organizations, including Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs). Population-focused suicide prevention is more likely to be effective when mental health and healthcare providers engage with social services and other provider organizations (e.g., schools, law enforcement) in the community, however collaborations between CMHCs and other community-based organizations that can play a role in suicide prevention have not been examined. To understand these partnerships, we conducted semi-structured interviews with representatives of 12 community-serving organizations in the geographical area served by a CMHC in its seventh year of Zero Suicide implementation. Thematic content analysis was used to identify key facilitators and barriers to suicide prevention partnerships from the perspectives of the community partners. Analysis yielded three facilitating and four barrier themes related to effective partnerships with the CMHC. Despite significant barriers in areas such as sharing information and inadequate staffing of programs, CMHCs implementing Zero Suicide in rural communities can significantly impact external partners' engagement in broader suicide prevention efforts.
Public Awareness and Perceptions of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Among California Adults.
Aubel A, Lund J, Wintemute G … +1 more , Kravitz-Wirtz N
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42047931 · Publisher ↗
Suicide is a major public health issue that disproportionately affects certain populations. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) was established in July 2022 as an accessible, easy-to-remember resource for individuals...
Suicide is a major public health issue that disproportionately affects certain populations. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) was established in July 2022 as an accessible, easy-to-remember resource for individuals in crisis. Maximizing its impact relies on public knowledge and willingness to use the service. Using data from a cross-sectional survey of California adults (n = 3531), fielded online in November 2024, this study assessed awareness and likelihood of using 988, and barriers and facilitators to use, overall and among groups known to be at increased risk for suicide. One in 4 California adults (26.5%; 95% CI: 24.4-28.9) had heard of 988. After reading a brief description of the service, 71.0% (95% CI: 69.1-73.8) said they would be somewhat or very likely to contact 988 if they or someone they knew were experiencing a crisis. Awareness was higher among younger adults, but likelihood of use was lower than older adults. Black adults were more often aware of and likely to use 988 than other racial/ethnic groups. Similar percentages of gun owners and non-owners were likely to use 988. Respondents identified the following factors as most important to their decision to contact 988: immediate access to a crisis counselor, no-cost services, dispatch of mental health professionals in cases of imminent risk, and assurance that the person in crisis would not be taken to jail. Findings provide insight into 988's implementation and reach in California, which can inform strategies for enhancing effectiveness and equitable access and service use in times of crisis.
Understanding Data Use in Community Coalitions: Insights from a CFIR 2.0-Informed Study of the Ohio HEALing Communities Initiative.
Lancaster K, Wagi C, Myers J … +4 more , Pacheco Garrillo M, Ellison SA, Olvera R, Freisthler B
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42047930 · Publisher ↗
Community coalitions play a central role in implementing evidence-based strategies to reduce opioid overdose deaths. However, their ability to effectively use community-level data in decision-making varies widely and is...
Community coalitions play a central role in implementing evidence-based strategies to reduce opioid overdose deaths. However, their ability to effectively use community-level data in decision-making varies widely and is shaped by multiple contextual factors. This study examined how coalitions participating in the Ohio HEALing Communities Study engaged with data to support implementation of opioid-related interventions, including overdose education and naloxone distribution, and medications for opioid use disorder. We conducted a mixed-methods study guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR 2.0) to explore data use within 18 community coalitions in Ohio. Quantitative data were collected from coalition members via REDCap surveys administered at four timepoints (2019–2023), assessing knowledge, confidence, and perceptions related to data use. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with coalition members and data coordinator reflections. Descriptive statistics summarized survey responses, and thematic analysis was used to identify patterns in qualitative data. Findings were derived through an integrated mixed-methods approach, combining survey trends with in-depth interview themes and contextual reflection data. Coalition members reported increased knowledge and confidence in tracking opioid-related interventions over time. By 2023, over 90% of respondents supported learning about naloxone and medications for opioid use disorder and felt confident in their coalition’s ability to monitor progress. However, the extent to which data informed decision-making varied. Findings offer practical insights to enhance coalition capacity for sustained, equitable, and data-informed implementation in complex public health settings. Data coordinators played a key role in interpreting and applying data. Barriers included limited data literacy, inconsistent meeting structures, fragmented external systems, and policy misalignment. While some coalitions used data to drive equitable resource allocation and advocacy, others relied on it primarily for reporting and funding purposes. Findings highlight the importance of aligning data strategies with coalition capacity, infrastructure, and culture. Sustained, meaningful use of data requires not only technical tools but also investment in coalition readiness, leadership engagement, and cross-sector partnerships. These results provide actionable insights for supporting community-driven, data-informed implementation of opioid prevention strategies in real-world settings.
Understanding the Social Determinants of Suicidality Among Young People Aged 12-26 Years: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review.
Bahamondes-Álvarez R, van Hulst BM, Lund C … +4 more , Nooteboom LA, Oehm LM, Woermann E, Vermeiren RRJM
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42043747 · Publisher ↗
Suicidality—including suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and completed suicide—is a major public health concern affecting all demographic groups, particularly young people. The World Health Organization recognizes suic...
Suicidality—including suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and completed suicide—is a major public health concern affecting all demographic groups, particularly young people. The World Health Organization recognizes suicidality as a multifactorial phenomenon influenced by psychological, biological, and social determinants. However, the social determinants underlying suicidality among young people remain broadly understudied, which limits a comprehensive understanding of this complex issue. This review aimed to identify the social determinants influencing suicidality among young people aged 12–26 years, across five pre-defined domains in which these determinants operate: demographic, economic, neighborhood, environmental, and socio-cultural. We searched four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Embase) for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies from 2000 to 2026, identifying 325 articles for narrative synthesis. These studies collectively included 5,962,759 participants aged 12–26 years (mean age 15.77 [SD 1.56]). Across five domains, we identified 73 social determinants that shape suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and completed suicide. In the demographic domain, living arrangements—particularly not living with both parents—were associated with increased risk of suicidality, alongside age and sex. In the economic domain, unemployment emerged as a key risk factor. In the neighborhood domain, living in disadvantaged areas was associated with increased risk. For the environmental domain, exposure to disasters or armed conflicts heightened vulnerability. Finally, in the socio-cultural domain, low social connectedness and discrimination increased risk, whereas perceived social support mitigated it. We concluded that social determinants are not static but heterogeneous and interdependent constructs that can precipitate, exacerbate, or mitigate suicidality among young people. Understanding these determinants is essential for informing targeted prevention strategies for this vulnerable age group. To advance our understanding of this interplay, we call for social-wide association studies to be conducted.
Chronic Disease Management Among People Treated for Comorbid Serious Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorders: A Population-Based Observational Study.
Poarch E, Asbridge M, Feng C … +7 more , Rudoler D, Correia RH, Kaoser R, Peterson S, McCracken R, Peckham A, Lavergne R
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42034731 · Publisher ↗
People with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders are at high risk of chronic physical diseases like diabetes and hypertension and related acute complications but may face barriers to chronic disease mana...
People with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders are at high risk of chronic physical diseases like diabetes and hypertension and related acute complications but may face barriers to chronic disease management (including medication management and laboratory testing). We describe patterns of service use and chronic disease management among people with diabetes and/or hypertension treated for comorbid serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders. We used linked British Columbia administrative health data from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022 to conduct a retrospective cohort study among adults with diabetes and/or hypertension and used standardized differences to compare how health service use and chronic disease management varied for those treated for comorbid serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders. People treated for comorbid serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder had high service use (more primary care visits, ED visits, and hospitalizations) but received less recommended lab testing and medication management for diabetes or hypertension. These findings show people treated for serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders receive inequitable chronic disease management, despite frequent primary care use. Reshaping care to address underlying barriers will be crucial to improving chronic disease management in this population.
How do Mental Health Service Users and Staff Think the Cost-of-living Crisis Has Impacted Mental Health in England? A Qualitative Analysis.
Clutterbuck D, Sood M, Alwan NA … +2 more , Smith D, Richardson T
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42033647 · Publisher ↗
Economic variables such as debt can impact mental health. This study explored the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on mental health services users and staff, and aimed to identify potential support. Mental health serv...
Economic variables such as debt can impact mental health. This study explored the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on mental health services users and staff, and aimed to identify potential support. Mental health service users and mental health service staff took part in interviews exploring the relationship between the cost of living and mental health, which were analysed thematically. Findings suggest that finances and mental health can be interlinked during the cost-of-living crisis, with sub-themes of ‘Economic hardship has an impact on everyone’ and ‘Hopelessness, frustration and desperate situations.’ A second theme identified was ‘Barriers to obtaining financial and mental health support’ with sub-themes of ‘Service and support accessibility,’ ‘Receiving inadequate support’ and ‘Increasing demand on services and staff pressures.’ A final theme was identified of ‘Learning from and developing on what works’. The cost-of-living crisis has had a wide-ranging impact on those using mental health services.
Identifying Populations with High Opioid Use Disorder Public Stigma: Results from a Multi-State Survey.
Brown V, Pham TD, Bales D … +2 more , Bowie M, Scheyett A
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42032354 · Publisher ↗
The United States is facing an ongoing opioid epidemic. Despite tragic outcomes and the availability of effective treatments, only a small proportion of people with opioid use disorder (OUD) receive care. A primary barri...
The United States is facing an ongoing opioid epidemic. Despite tragic outcomes and the availability of effective treatments, only a small proportion of people with opioid use disorder (OUD) receive care. A primary barrier to treatment is public stigma. This study surveyed the general population in 13 states to explore characteristics and subpopulations associated with high OUD stigma, with the goal of informing community anti-stigma education strategies in the U.S. South. A sample of 1,676 respondents were surveyed using the Opening Minds Provider Attitudes Towards Opioid Use Scale (OM-PATOS), and results were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Findings showed that being married, being in a mental-health-related profession, and having higher perceived stress were associated with higher stigma scores, while being female or having a history of a behavioral health problem oneself or in one’s family was associated with lower stigma. Particularly concerning was the finding that mental professionals held significantly higher stigmatizing beliefs, highlighting that outreach to health clinics, mental health centers, pharmacies, and related agencies is needed in community-based anti-stigma campaigns. The study results suggest that community-based anti-stigma programming should target groups with high proportions of men and combine this education with content aimed at stress management. The findings also indicate that organizational partnerships in which members are likely to have low stigma, such as mental health and substance use advocacy groups, would benefit from anti-OUD-stigma efforts
Community-centered Care in the Justice System: A Case Study in ACT Adaptation in Rural Communities.
Thomas J, Thomas S, Baldwin J … +2 more , Eassey J, Maxwell D
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42024189 · Publisher ↗
Mental Health Treatment Courts and Assertive Community Treatment offer complimentary solutions for addressing needs of justice-involved individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and co-occurring disorders (COD). Desp...
Mental Health Treatment Courts and Assertive Community Treatment offer complimentary solutions for addressing needs of justice-involved individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and co-occurring disorders (COD). Despite alignment on goals, Mental Health Treatment Courts and Assertive Community Treatment are rarely deployed collaboratively. The current study briefly reviews Mental Health Treatment Courts and Assertive Community Treatment and provides an exploratory case study of how these approaches were integrated and adapted in a rural community during and after the COVID pandemic to serve a surging population with SMI, COD facing unique needs and challenges. Experiences of adapting to challenges to meet the needs of justice involved individuals with SMI and COD provide a positive example for other communities facing similar challenges. In particular, deploying Assertive Community Treatment to full fidelity is not achievable in many communities, fidelity standards may not be universal, and fidelity may not be a necessity for successfully meeting the needs of Mental Health Treatment Court participants. As funding becomes increasingly scarce, this case study highlights the utility of adaptable, place-based solutions that balance fidelity with feasibility.
The Role of Health Literacy in Cardiometabolic Disease among People with Serious Mental Illness.
Gupta A, Burke-Miller J, Razzano L
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42020633 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: People with serious mental illness (SMI) face higher morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Low health literacy (HL) is a risk factor for CVD, but the relationship between HL and CVD is u...
OBJECTIVE: People with serious mental illness (SMI) face higher morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Low health literacy (HL) is a risk factor for CVD, but the relationship between HL and CVD is understudied in people with SMI. This study examined the association between HL and (1) prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and (2) risk and prevalence of CVD in people with SMI. METHODS: Participants with diagnosed SMI were enrolled in this cross-sectional study at a behavioral health agency (N = 140). HL was measured using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) and participants were categorized by low, moderate, or high HL. MetS was determined by National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP) III criteria. CVD risk was calculated using the Framingham 10-year risk score. Prevalent CVD included self-reported history of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and/or other heart disease. RESULTS: Most participants identified as Black (61%) and male (64%) with education levels varying from less than high school to some college or more. In multivariable models, low HL was associated with increased prevalence of MetS (p = 0.013), risk of CVD (p = 0.030), and prevalence of CVD (p = 0.037) after adjusting for age, gender, race, ethnicity, education, nicotine dependence, and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Low HL is associated with poorer cardiometabolic health in people with SMI. Prospective studies adequately powered to examine the relationships between HL, MetS, and CVD in this population are warranted.
Effects of the Japanese Version of Metacognitive Training on Self-Efficacy and Sense of Coherence in Community-Dwelling Patients with Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study.
Kuroda K, Hori T, Hayashi A
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42018101 · Publisher ↗
Improving self-efficacy, sense of coherence (SOC), and functional stability is essential for recovery and sustained community functioning among individuals with schizophrenia. However, the impact of the Japanese version...
Improving self-efficacy, sense of coherence (SOC), and functional stability is essential for recovery and sustained community functioning among individuals with schizophrenia. However, the impact of the Japanese version of Metacognitive Training (MCT-J) on these factors has not been fully examined. This pilot study used a non-randomized Pre-Post design with sequential allocation (not a randomized controlled trial) and included 20 community-dwelling individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, with 10 participants each assigned to the MCT-J intervention and delayed intervention control groups. To evaluate intervention effects, assessments were conducted using the Self-Efficacy for Community Life Scale (SECL), the Japanese version of Antonovsky's 13-item Sense of Coherence scale (SOC-13), the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS), and the Trail Making Test-Japanese version (TMT-J) Parts A and B. Within-group and between-group comparisons assessed the changes in scores and task completion times. In addition, outcomes were examined exploratorily pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at the one-year follow-up among available participants who had received MCT-J. In between-group comparisons, compared with the delayed-intervention control group, the intervention group showed more favorable changes in SECL scores and TMT-J Part A completion time than the control group. At the one-year follow-up, reductions in TMT-J Part A completion times relative to baseline were observed exploratorily among participants who had received MCT-J. These findings support the feasibility of implementing MCT-J in community settings and suggest preliminary benefits for self-efficacy and attentional performance, whereas changes in SOC were limited and exploratory. Although MCT-J may support recovery-related psychological resources in community-dwelling individuals, these preliminary findings should be interpreted with caution, and confirmation in a larger randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Documenting the Reach and Perceptions of Youth Towards a Community-based Mental Health Initiative Implemented in a Rural and Minority Language Setting.
Corriveau H, Landry C, Paulin C … +3 more , Roy D, Godin I, Plourde V
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42010140 · Publisher ↗
Youth in rural and minority language settings often face barriers to accessing mental health care. Community-based programs are crucial for overcoming these barriers and improving service delivery. The Accès Santé Jeunes...
Youth in rural and minority language settings often face barriers to accessing mental health care. Community-based programs are crucial for overcoming these barriers and improving service delivery. The Accès Santé Jeunesse Péninsule Acadienne (ASJPA) is a community-based mental health initiative launched in 2021 to serve youth in the Acadian Peninsula, a rural, Francophone region in New Brunswick, Canada. This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of youth accessing the program and to present preliminary data on mental health and perceptions towards the program. A multimethod approach was used, incorporating both quantitative (mental health, psychological distress, sleep, social support and resilience) and qualitative data (N = 34) collected at two-time points (between March and October 2022) with youth. The sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics showed that the program is reaching a diverse group of youth presenting with varied psychosocial needs, as reflected in self-reported mental health, psychological distress, sleep quality, social support, and resilience. Qualitative findings further suggest that participants experienced meaningful personal growth, developed new friendships, gained practical tools and support to improve their mental health, and engaged in novel experience through the ASJPA program. Youth also expressed high levels of satisfaction, appropriateness, and acceptability towards the program. This study highlights positive qualitative perceptions of the ASJPA program among participating youth. These findings suggests that community-based mental health initiatives of this nature may address key needs of young people living in rural settings, particularly those with limited access to specialized mental health services. Further research is needed to assess the long-term effects of the program on youth outcomes.
Evaluating the Utility of a Statewide Pharmacist-Led Psychotropic Medicines Information Service: A Mixed-Methods Study.
Borja V, Hopkins L, Olaluwoye T … +1 more , Olasoji M
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42010139 · Publisher ↗
Psychotropic medicines are essential in managing mental illness but are associated with complex challenges, including off-label use, polypharmacy, drug interactions, adverse effects, and diverse safety profiles. Effectiv...
Psychotropic medicines are essential in managing mental illness but are associated with complex challenges, including off-label use, polypharmacy, drug interactions, adverse effects, and diverse safety profiles. Effective decision-making requires access to reliable, evidence-based, and context-specific medicines information. Medicines Information (MI) services, particularly those led by pharmacists, provide tailored, evidence-informed advice that supports safe prescribing and optimises patient outcomes.This study aimed to evaluate the Psychotropic Drug Advisory Service (PDAS) at Alfred Health, a statewide pharmacist-led clinical advisory service. The evaluation sought to (a) determine the impact of advice on patient care, clinical outcomes, and medication safety; (b) assess the usefulness of advice and its uptake by enquirers; and (c) explore user experiences and satisfaction to inform future service development.A mixed-methods service evaluation was conducted. Quantitative data were collected through a retrospective audit of all enquiries recorded over a 12-month period (January-December 2024). Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews conducted between March and August 2025 with a total of 17 clinicians, consumers, and carers who had accessed PDAS during the evaluation period. Interviews explored perceptions of service utility, impact on clinical decision-making, and areas for improvement, and were thematically analysed.PDAS responded to 266 enquiries over the 12-month evaluation period, with enquiries originating from a broad range of clinicians, consumers, and carers across primary, secondary, and community care. Enquiries frequently involved complex psychotropic decision-making; most commonly relating to administration and dosage, choice of medication, adverse effects, drug-drug interactions, and antipsychotic or antidepressant use. Most enquiries were addressed promptly, with the majority receiving an initial response within one hour. Qualitative analysis identified four key themes: enhancing confidence in clinical decision-making, improving access to specialist psychotropic advice, facilitating collaborative problem solving, and delivering credible, evidence-based guidance; highlighting PDAS's role as a trusted, accessible, and specialist support service within complex mental health settings. These findings support the utility of a statewide, pharmacist-led psychotropic medicines information service as an important component of contemporary mental health systems, particularly in settings characterised by clinical complexity and/or limited access to specialist expertise.
Medical Cannabis Legalization and its Association with Cannabis use, Cannabis use Disorder, and Intoxicated Driving: Findings from the National Survey on Drug use and Health, 2016-2019.
Meckes S, Kelley V, Calhoun PS … +1 more , Dennis PA
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42010138 · Publisher ↗
Cannabis use has increased in tandem with expanding legalization. However, the impact of medical cannabis legalization on cannabis use disorder (CUD) and driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) remains unclear, as...
Cannabis use has increased in tandem with expanding legalization. However, the impact of medical cannabis legalization on cannabis use disorder (CUD) and driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) remains unclear, as is whether specific subpopulations have been particularly affected by such laws. National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data from 2016 to 2019 were used, in which respondents completed interviews identifying the following outcomes: (a) whether they had used cannabis in the previous 30 days, (b) met diagnostic criteria for CUD, and (c) engaged in DUIC in the past 12 months. Propensity-score weighting was used to balance respondents from states where cannabis is legal for medical purposes with respondents from states where it is not. Each of the above three outcomes were modeled via logistic regression as a function of state cannabis policy and stratified by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. State-level medical cannabis legality was associated with statistically greater rates of cannabis use (2.3% difference), CUD (0.3% difference), and DUIC (0.4% difference), all ps<0.001. These findings were consistently observed across nearly all age, sex, and racial/ethnic identity groups but were particularly acute among young adults and Native American and Alaskan Native respondents. These findings underline a potential association of medical cannabis legalization with increased rates of past-30-day cannabis and clinically detrimental cannabis use, as well as cannabis-impaired driving. Identifying long-term impacts of these laws and heterogeneity in their effects is crucial.
Insurance-Related Disparities in Mental Health Status and Care Among Low-Income U.S. Adults, 2019-2023.
Kwon KN, Ku L
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41998279 · Publisher ↗
The COVID-19 pandemic affected mental health status and care among vulnerable Americans. We examined temporal changes in mental health status and assessed the associations between insurance types and mental health care a...
The COVID-19 pandemic affected mental health status and care among vulnerable Americans. We examined temporal changes in mental health status and assessed the associations between insurance types and mental health care among low-income U.S. adults. Using the 2019–2023 National Health Interview Survey, we analyzed data from 22,026 adults aged 18–64 with family incomes below 200% of the poverty threshold. Survey-adjusted descriptive statistics and linear probability models controlling for individual characteristics and time were used. Between 2019 and 2023, Medicaid enrollees consistently reported the highest prevalence of poor mental health status compared to adults with private insurance or no insurance. Among those with poor mental health, about 13.1% of Medicaid enrollees, 22.3% of privately insured, and 27.1% of the uninsured reported being unable to afford mental health care in 2023. Compared to Medicaid enrollees, privately insured adults were 2.5 percentage points (pp) less likely to receive counseling (p < 0.001), and the uninsured were 6.9 pp less likely (p < 0.001). Despite efforts to mitigate stress amid major societal disruptions, poor mental health persisted among low-income adults across the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. This study further highlighted disparities by insurance types, underscoring the critical role of Medicaid in supporting mental health care among low-income adults and the need for policy efforts to reduce financial barriers across all insurance types.
Health Characteristics of Emerging and Young Adults with SMI.
Brunette MF, Bourassa JG, Wallin DJ … +4 more , Ferron JC, Williams GE, Santos MM, Pratt SI
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41998278 · Publisher ↗
Disparate rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) contribute to the shortened life expectancy of people with serious mental illness (SMI). CVD and its risk factors, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemi...
Disparate rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) contribute to the shortened life expectancy of people with serious mental illness (SMI). CVD and its risk factors, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia, often arise in young adulthood, but there is a paucity of research focusing on emerging and young adults. This study describes the health characteristics of emerging (ages 16–24) and young (ages 25–39) adults with SMI upon enrollment into a community mental health (CMH)-based integrated primary and mental health care program (n = 439). Data were collected via structured interviews, biometric assessments and medical record review. Biometric assessments indicated that 54% had obesity, 46% had hypertension, 5% had diabetes and 6% had LDL-C hyperlipidemia. Proportions with CVD risk factors did not significantly differ between emerging and young adults. When compared to the general population, this group of emerging and young adults with SMI had higher rates of obesity, hypertension and diabetes. Very few participants with CVD risk factors had corresponding diagnoses recorded in their CMH medical records. Most participants with CVD risk were not receiving behavioral or pharmacotherapy-based interventions for their physical health conditions – among participants with blood pressure over 140/90, 56% were receiving no intervention, 33% were receiving pharmacotherapy, 13% were participating in behavioral intervention. This study highlights the need for screening and treatment of CVD risk factors in emerging and young adults with SMI. Mental health center-based integrated care programs and certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs) may provide the means to increase access and quality of physical health care among young people with SMI.
Supporting Parents with Mental Health Conditions: A Qualitative Systematic Review of Parents' Experiences with Professional Support.
Honey A, Rider J, Pituch E … +2 more , O'Mara V, McGrath M
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41995955 · Publisher ↗
Many people with mental health conditions are parents, and research indicates that some would value and benefit from professional support for their parenting role. Yet little is known about their experiences of accessing...
Many people with mental health conditions are parents, and research indicates that some would value and benefit from professional support for their parenting role. Yet little is known about their experiences of accessing these services, with this information dispersed amongst studies that primarily focus on other issues. This study aimed to bring together knowledge from current literature about the perspectives of parents living with mental health conditions about accessing professional support for parenting. A qualitative systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, and CINAHL were searched and the output screened by at least two reviewers. Papers relating to parents with mental health conditions were extracted for analysis. Relevant data from included studies were analysed using thematic synthesis. A total of 49 papers were included in the thematic synthesis. Professional support for parenting was included in the aims of only 10 papers, and nearly two thirds of papers contained only one or two paragraphs relevant to the topic. Nevertheless, the data indicated a range of areas in which parents felt that they needed professional support, including: access to their children; childcare and respite; structure and routine; practical tasks; managing child behaviours; stress management in parenting; parent-child relationships; educating and supporting children around mental health; and developing positive understandings and confidence around parenting. They identified a range of avenues through which they did, or could, receive support to address these needs: parenting education programs; family interventions; opportunities to talk to professionals; opportunities for peer support; advocacy; practical help; family-friendly mental health services; and respectful, collaborative and non-judgmental services. Most parents, however, reported a lack of parenting support. Many were reluctant to seek or engage with support because of a fear of being judged and reported previously negative experiences with services. When they did seek services for parenting, they were often unable to access it. The review highlights the need for service and policy recognition of parents living with mental health conditions as a priority group for the provision of tailored and respectful parenting support services.
Prevalence of Loneliness and Social Isolation by Demographic, Socioeconomic, and Other Factors: Estimates From the 2024 Household Pulse Survey.
Zhu DT, Mitragotri S, Lin JC
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41989710 · Publisher ↗
Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly recognized as population health concerns associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes. However, nationally representative estimates of their prevalence and...
Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly recognized as population health concerns associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes. However, nationally representative estimates of their prevalence and disparities in the post-COVID-19 period remain limited. We conducted a secondary analysis of data obtained from Phase 4.2 of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Household Pulse Survey, a cross-sectional survey administered between August 20 and September 16, 2024. The analytical sample included 50,900 U.S. adult respondents, weighted to represent approximately 256 million individuals. We focused on two self-reported outcomes: frequent loneliness (“usually or always” experiencing loneliness) and frequent perceived social isolation (“rarely or never” experiencing social or emotional support from others). Our study findings show that approximately one in eight individuals (12.7%) reported experiencing frequent loneliness and approximately one in five (20.6%) reported frequent perceived social isolation in 2024. The prevalence of both outcomes was highest among young adults and individuals identifying as transgender, non-binary, non-heterosexual, or belonging to racial and ethnic minority groups (all P<.001). Higher prevalences were also observed among respondents with lower educational attainment and income, those who were never married, active-duty military personnel or spouses of active-duty military members, individuals disengaged from social activities, and those reporting greater functional impairments (all P < .001). We also noted substantial geographical variation: frequent loneliness ranged from 7.8% in North Dakota to 17.4% in Maine, while frequent perceived social isolation ranged from 13.3% in Idaho to 29.1% in Missouri. Loneliness and perceived social isolation affect a substantial share of U.S. adults and exhibit significant demographic, socioeconomic, and geographical differences. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health strategies to address social disconnection and its downstream implications for population health.
Quality in Community Mental Health Care. From the Perspectives of Patients, Next-of-kin, and Healthcare Professionals.
Aass LK, Schröder A, Moen ØL
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41989709 · Publisher ↗
Describe and compare patients', next-of-kin's and healthcare professionals' perceptions of the quality of care in community mental healthcare services. Patients value family involvement in mental healthcare, but next-of-...
Describe and compare patients', next-of-kin's and healthcare professionals' perceptions of the quality of care in community mental healthcare services. Patients value family involvement in mental healthcare, but next-of-kin feel unprepared and lack the necessary skills to be supportive. Since healthcare professionals predominantly focus on patients, they may fail to understand the complex needs of families. Thus, the quality of community mental healthcare may vary across patients, next-of-kin, and healthcare professionals. Cross-sectional study with patients, next-of-kin and healthcare professionals in community mental healthcare services in Norway. 140 participants, of whom 43 are patients, 43 next-of-kin, and 56 healthcare professionals. Participants filled in the translated version of the Quality in Psychiatric Care - Community Out-Patient (QPC-COP), Community Out-Patient Next of Kin (QPC-COPNK), and Quality in Psychiatric Care- Community Outpatient Staff (QPC-COPS). Next-of-kin and healthcare professionals scored the overall quality of community mental healthcare lower than patients. All three perspectives reported the Encounter to be of high quality. Patients rated Discharge, next-of-kin rated Next-of-kin, and healthcare professionals rated Environmentas havingthelowest quality of care. Patients were generally more positive than the next-of-kin and healthcare professionals about the quality of community mental healthcare. Patients, next-of-kin, and healthcare professionals rated interpersonal relationship between patients and healthcare professionals as having the highest quality of care. However, lowest quality scores were given by next-of-kin regarding being respected and invited to take part, and by healthcare professionals regarding the patients' trust in the healthcare professionals, and feeling secure in their home environment. This is important knowledge for health authorities, leaders, and mental healthcare clinicians in developing and providing quality care.
Secret Shopper Analysis Highlights that Accessing Psychiatric Healthcare in Puerto Rico is a Challenging Endeavor.
Santos-Lozada AR, Castro-Irizarry G
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41989708 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Over the past 20 years, Puerto Rico has experienced a reduction in medical professionals and an erosion of the healthcare system. In this study, we assess the degree to which psychiatrists in Puerto Rico are a...
OBJECTIVE: Over the past 20 years, Puerto Rico has experienced a reduction in medical professionals and an erosion of the healthcare system. In this study, we assess the degree to which psychiatrists in Puerto Rico are answering phone calls and accepting new patients, accepting the public health insurance or cash payments, and the length of time between the call and the appointment offered. METHODS: A “secret shopper” analysis was performed, in which a research team attempted to contact 183 psychiatric service providers or organizations listed in the 2023 directory of one of the major private health insurance companies in Puerto Rico. RESULTS: Approximately 47% of the calls were answered and 46% of those resulted in members of the research team being offered an appointment. In about 40% of the answered calls, the service provider was not accepting new patients, and in approximately 11%, the caller was asked to send more information to be able to secure an appointment. Wait time for appointments ranged from 1 to 2 days to up to nine months. Additional factors, such as healthcare coverage, being able to afford treatment out-of-pocket, and the ability to provide additional required information also complicated the process of securing an appointment with a psychiatrist in Puerto Rico. CONCLUSIONS: Access to psychiatric healthcare in Puerto Rico was found to be a challenging endeavor with a lack of response, providers not being able to accept new patients, and long wait times constituting barriers to these services in Puerto Rico.
The Impact of Certified Peer Specialists as Teachers to Families.
Cerundolo N, Carol E, Gerken A … +7 more , Bolton K, Bosson R, Firmin R, Fischer J, Millman Z, Van Kirk N, Fedele S
Community Ment Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41989707 · Publisher ↗
Certified peer specialists (CPSs) are providers with lived experience of mental health conditions who have received specialized training to support the recovery of others with mental health conditions. This study examine...
Certified peer specialists (CPSs) are providers with lived experience of mental health conditions who have received specialized training to support the recovery of others with mental health conditions. This study examined the role of CPSs as educators of families and loved ones. Peer specialists joined established family support groups to provide education to family and loved ones. These educational sessions included sharing recovery stories and engaging in interactive question-and-answer sessions. Family members who participated in these sessions were invited to complete voluntary surveys designed to assess the impact of the CPS-led sessions. Forty-two participants responded across six sessions. On quantitative items, participants rated overall session quality as high and indicated that CPS-led sessions improved their understanding of the experience of mental health conditions, strengthened their belief in recovery, and increased their knowledge of how to support a loved one with a mental health condition. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses indicated that participants joined these sessions to gain a better understanding of CPS work, improve strategies to help loved ones, build community, and foster personal connections. More than half of participants reported gaining skills and resources from the program. This work adds to the literature supporting peer specialists in educational roles, including as educators of mental health providers across numerous disciplines. To our knowledge, this is the first report to specifically address the role of CPSs as educators of families, and additional research is needed in this area.
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