Pelizza L, Mattioli F, Leuci E
… +8 more, Bettinardi O, Loreni L, Quattrone E, Pupo S, Starace F, Saponaro A, Pellegrini P, Menchetti M
Community Ment Health J
· 2026 Jul · PMID 41530566
·
Publisher ↗
During the 2019 training course on "Early Intervention in Psychosis" (EIP), mental health professionals from all Departments of Mental Health in the Emilia-Romagna region (Northern Italy) were provided with an update on...During the 2019 training course on "Early Intervention in Psychosis" (EIP), mental health professionals from all Departments of Mental Health in the Emilia-Romagna region (Northern Italy) were provided with an update on the multi-component intervention program for early psychosis indicated in the current international guidelines. At the end of the training sessions, participants completed the "Scale of Perceived Self-Efficacy and Satisfaction in the Activity of the Psychotherapist" (SAS-P). They also answered open-ended questions, providing opinions on key challenges, suggestions for improvement, and observations on the program's strengths and criticalities. Results showed that psychotherapists felt themselves effective in facilitating therapeutic change, responding to patients' needs, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams. However, they reported difficulties in managing work-related stress, maintaining a suitable psychotherapeutic setting in public services, and influencing organizational structures. Open-ended responses highlighted other key challenges, including limited resources, poor integration between services, and communication gaps within teams. In conclusion, the findings highlight disparities among local mental health services in implementing the specialized EIP program. They also emphasize the need to address these challenges to ensure more effective and consistent interventions.
Mattocks N, Swenson N, Consol A
… +5 more, Phillips H, Hopkins K, Siegel JL, Manleigh C, Unick J
Community Ment Health J
· 2026 Jul · PMID 41513862
·
Publisher ↗
Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) often require ongoing medication managed through intensive community-based service delivery (IC-BSD) programs. While these programs support the SMI population, they face chal...Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) often require ongoing medication managed through intensive community-based service delivery (IC-BSD) programs. While these programs support the SMI population, they face challenges with efficiency and effectiveness. Innovative technological solutions like the Medherent™ telehealth platform, which automates medication dispensing and tracks adherence, offer potential improvements. However, research on their use in SMI populations and implementation barriers in community settings is limited. This study examines the implementation of Medherent™ to support medication management in community mental health settings. Using a mixed-methods approach, we assessed the appropriateness, acceptability, adoption, and feasibility of Medherent™. The Work Observation Method by Activity Timing (WOMBAT) was employed to quantify medication management tasks in three community mental health agencies, and qualitative interviews with 28 staff members were conducted. Results suggest that Medherent™ can save up to 7.35 h of staff time per client each month, enabling staff to focus on higher-value rehabilitation activities. Staff generally found Medherent™ acceptable, reporting increased efficiency and enhanced client independence. However, challenges included technical issues such as power outages, Wi-Fi connectivity, and the need for ongoing staff training. This study emphasizes the importance of organizational readiness and effective communication between agencies and pharmacy providers for successful implementation. Future research should explore broader impacts on clinical outcomes and assess the telehealth platform's long-term feasibility.
Payne H, Regis D, Smith M
… +3 more, Stanford R, Bond B, Thomas E
Community Ment Health J
· 2026 Jul · PMID 41501422
·
Publisher ↗
This study examined the workplace experiences of young adult peer support workers (YPSWs), including how these experiences differ by certification status and what barriers and recommendations YPSWs identify for improving...This study examined the workplace experiences of young adult peer support workers (YPSWs), including how these experiences differ by certification status and what barriers and recommendations YPSWs identify for improving their work environments. A cross-sectional survey was conducted via REDCap with 49 YPSWs aged 18-30 currently employed in a paid peer support role in the United States. Participants completed quantitative items assessing satisfaction with various workplace aspects, supervision, intergenerational inclusiveness, and stigma, and open-ended questions about workplace barriers and recommendations. Analyses included descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA tests comparing certified and non-certified YPSWs, and thematic analysis of qualitative responses. Respondents reported relatively high satisfaction with fringe benefits, training, and supervision, but lower satisfaction with opportunities and rewards. Most reported a positive intergenerational climate and little stigma from coworkers. Youth certified peer specialists reported significantly lower satisfaction with opportunities and rewards and benefits than non-certified peers, and significantly lower satisfaction with supervision than general certified peer specialists. Qualitative data revealed key workload, policy, and individual barriers as well as age-related issues (e.g., lack of respect, imposter syndrome). Respondents recommended improvements for leadership, policy, job incentives, workforce capacity and support, peer integration, and collaboration and inclusion. Findings highlight both strengths and challenges in YPSW work environments, with notable disparities by certification status. Given their unique developmental stage and experiences of marginalization, strengthening this workforce will require attention to compensation, role clarity, and inclusion through a positive youth development lens.
Chang KJ, Yen I, Bobo F
… +2 more, Hollier J, Smith-Merry J
Community Ment Health J
· 2026 Jul · PMID 41492026
·
Publisher ↗
Psychosocial interventions support functional recovery and social integration for people with severe mental illness (SMI); however, their implementation remains fragmented and inconsistent. This rapid scoping review maps...Psychosocial interventions support functional recovery and social integration for people with severe mental illness (SMI); however, their implementation remains fragmented and inconsistent. This rapid scoping review maps the landscape of psychosocial interventions for adults with SMI in high-income countries, identifying their key components, implementation challenges, and strategies to optimise delivery. Following the Cochrane rapid review guidelines, we searched MEDLINE and CINAHL (January 2009 - May 2024) and conducted manual reference screening. Eligible studies focused on non-pharmacological, community-based interventions. Thematic analysis was used to identify implementation barriers and enablers. Of 8,624 screened records, 464 studies met inclusion criteria, covering 15 intervention types. Cognitive-focused interventions (n = 100) supported employment (n = 86), and behavioural therapies (n = 66) were most studied. Outcomes focused on symptom (n = 179), daily living skills (n = 160), and cognitive states (n = 157). Implementation was often constrained by systemic, organisational, and individual-level barriers. Systemic challenges included fragmented services, stigma, cultural and linguistic barriers, and economic constraints, highlighting the need for integrated care models, policy reforms, and culturally responsive approaches. Organisational challenges such as staff resistance, insufficient training, and resource limitations underscored the importance of leadership, stakeholder engagement, and investment. At the individual level, low motivation, logistical difficulties, trauma histories, and goal misalignment reduced engagement and retention, highlighting the need for flexible, person-centred, trauma-informed approaches, strong social networks, and a balance between structure and adaptability. Selecting, adapting, and funding psychosocial interventions remain complex. This review provides a foundation for future systematic reviews of homogeneous intervention subsets to better inform policy and practice.
Community Ment Health J
· 2026 Jul · PMID 41492025
·
Publisher ↗
The United States is in need of novel solutions to deliver mental health care, especially in the wake of inadequate community health financing following deinstitutionalization. The community mental health work model, in...The United States is in need of novel solutions to deliver mental health care, especially in the wake of inadequate community health financing following deinstitutionalization. The community mental health work model, in which lay providers deliver basic mental health care and refer to higher levels of care as needed, is proven internationally and has started to be implemented within the United States. Securing sustainable financing for the expansion of these programs remains a challenge. Here, we discuss three avenues for advancing the funding of United States based community mental health work programs. First, by implementing a volunteer model similar to that which has been done internationally; second, by bolstering pre-existing U.S. healthcare funding mechanisms; third, by pursuing a novel collaborative financing mechanism that is rooted in public good economics.
Diamond R, Waite F, Boylan AM
… +3 more, Hicks A, Kabir T, Freeman D
Community Ment Health J
· 2026 May · PMID 41455051
·
Full text
People with psychosis typically show high levels of sedentary behaviour and low levels of physical activity. Effective interventions are needed, and staff will play a crucial role in implementation. Aims: To understand s...People with psychosis typically show high levels of sedentary behaviour and low levels of physical activity. Effective interventions are needed, and staff will play a crucial role in implementation. Aims: To understand staff perspectives on reducing sedentary behaviour and increasing physical activity. Eighteen staff from NHS mental health trust community teams were interviewed, with data analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes were developed: (1) Choosing to target movement: staff recognise the need to address movement but struggle to prioritise it; (2) Encouraging but not steamrolling: balancing encouragement without pushing too hard is essential for motivation; (3) Tapping the reservoir of staff knowledge: staff possess valuable expertise to leverage; (4) Using lived experience: lived experience accounts effectively motivate and inspire hope. Despite recognising the importance of the issue, limited resources in services hinders prioritisation of increasing patient movement, and interventions are often not attempted. Adapting routine practices and recruiting support (e.g. from willing carers) may increase intervention success without burdening staff.
Community Ment Health J
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41417141
·
Full text
Day centres provide low-threshold support for people with severe and prolonged mental illness. However, their effectiveness has not yet been empirically evaluated. This study examines whether regular attendance at day ce...Day centres provide low-threshold support for people with severe and prolonged mental illness. However, their effectiveness has not yet been empirically evaluated. This study examines whether regular attendance at day centres improves mental health outcomes. Two surveys were conducted: a cross-sectional survey of 87 service users and a longitudinal study of 16 new admissions (assessments at baseline, one month, and three months after admission). Psychosocial participation limitations (IMET), quality of life (MANSA), symptom severity (SCL-K-9, PHQ-9), self-esteem (G-SISE) and self-efficacy (ASKU) were measured. Descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon-signed-rank test were used for analysis. Three primary goals for attending a day centre were most important: daily routines, social contacts, and meaningful activities. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed in all outcomes, with large effect sizes (r = > 0.5). This study provides initial evidence that the use of day centres supports recovery from mental illness by restoring key psychosocial functions.
Karyczak S, Spagnolo A, Higbee S
… +3 more, Miccio S, Barrett N, Grossman E
Community Ment Health J
· 2026 Jul · PMID 41417140
·
Publisher ↗
Peer support specialists (PSS) are essential in behavioral health and substance use crisis services by providing support, hope, and encouragement to those in crisis. Despite their benefits, there is a lack of consensus o...Peer support specialists (PSS) are essential in behavioral health and substance use crisis services by providing support, hope, and encouragement to those in crisis. Despite their benefits, there is a lack of consensus on the core competencies required for PSS working in crisis settings. This study identifies key competencies to inform the development of a Crisis Peer Support Specialist Training curriculum. An e-Delphi survey method was used to collect opinions from subject matter experts (SMEs) working Early Intervention Support Services (EISS) programs. The three-round process gathered qualitative and quantitative input on the required competencies of PSS in crisis settings. Responses from SME were analyzed using thematic coding and a Likert-scale ranking system to determine perceived importance. Four key areas were identified as essential competencies: knowledge, skills, attitudes, and unique contributions. The highest-ranked competencies emphasized ethics and maintaining professional boundaries, demonstrating empathy, and providing a welcoming presence. Consensus from the SME was reached on the core competencies necessary for PSS in crisis settings. Findings highlight the key competencies a PSS requires for delivering services in crisis settings. The results informed the development of a specialized training program for PSS in these settings. Future research should continue to explore the required competencies across different crisis care settings.
Bibb J, Robins-Browne K, Brophy L
… +8 more, Harvey C, Fletcher J, Morrisroe E, Hamilton B, Ennals P, Hayes L, Fossey E, Palmer VJ
Community Ment Health J
· 2026 May · PMID 41405800
·
Publisher ↗
Recovery orientation is a vital feature of contemporary mental health models of care such as Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) services. Despite the importance of PARC services in providing a recovery-oriented alternat...Recovery orientation is a vital feature of contemporary mental health models of care such as Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) services. Despite the importance of PARC services in providing a recovery-oriented alternative to a stay in hospital for mental health consumers in Victoria, Australia, there are limited studies exploring the views of staff about these services. This study was part of a larger body of work that investigated the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of PARC services across Victoria. As part of the qualitative component of this mixed-methods study, the aim for this project was to explore the perceptions of staff around the meaning of recovery-oriented care and how it is implemented through PARC services. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with multidisciplinary staff who worked in 19 PARC services across Victoria. A reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken guided by Braun and Clarke's approach. Participants' responses were organised around themes related to staff interpretations of the meaning and implementation of recovery-oriented mental health care within the context of PARC services. Recovery-oriented care was framed by staff as non-clinical, non-linear, subjective, person-centred, about seeking meaning and fulfilment, identity building and being holistic. Staff described the role of PARC services in contributing to recovery through providing structure and routine, offering opportunities to build relationships, develop skills and offer choice and autonomy.
Community Ment Health J
· 2026 May · PMID 41389303
·
Publisher ↗
While shared decision-making (SDM) is widely recognized as a reference model in adult psychiatry, its implementation in youth psychiatry remains under-explored, despite the specific challenges inherent to this field. Thi...While shared decision-making (SDM) is widely recognized as a reference model in adult psychiatry, its implementation in youth psychiatry remains under-explored, despite the specific challenges inherent to this field. This exploratory qualitative study investigates how child and adolescent psychiatrists describe and adjust their decision-making practices in clinical care, including their attitudes, strategies, and perceived limits of SDM. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with youth psychiatrists via videoconferencing. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five overarching themes were developed : (1) the perceived benefits of SDM, such as improved adherence and engagement; (2) a dynamic continuum of decision-making practices, from full collaboration to ethically guided protective decisions; (3) the role of parents as co-participants in the decision-making process; (4) the modulation of the clinician-patient relationship along a vertical-horizontal axis; and (5) contextual influences, including institutional constraints and limited resources. Psychiatrists generally support SDM as a desirable framework. However, their accounts point to a broader and more flexible continuum of practices, in which the degree of sharedness varies depending on factors such as the young person's age, developmental stage, illness severity, crisis situations, and parental involvement. Some practices described by clinicians fall outside strict definitions of SDM and belong instead to the domain of substituted or protective decision-making. These findings invite a nuanced and context-sensitive understanding of decision-making in youth psychiatry.
Simpson SA, Newton C, Al-Tayyib A
… +4 more, Duarte KG, Gilbert A, Loh RM, Rinehart DJ
Community Ment Health J
· 2026 May · PMID 41379402
·
Full text
Patients with methamphetamine use disorder (MaUD) face social, financial, and systemic barriers to accessing evidence-based addiction treatment. We designed a care navigation intervention to better engage patients with M...Patients with methamphetamine use disorder (MaUD) face social, financial, and systemic barriers to accessing evidence-based addiction treatment. We designed a care navigation intervention to better engage patients with MaUD in treatment after an acute care encounter. This intervention was modeled after linkage-to-care strategies for infectious diseases and emphasized rapport building, trauma-informed care, and practical assistance in overcoming barriers to treatment. We also added elements of contingency management given its treatment efficacy with MaUD. We describe the development of the care navigation model, characteristics and care needs of subjects receiving the intervention, and intervention engagement outcomes. Among 94 patients who received this intervention as part of a randomized controlled trial, 64% were considered engaged with at least 2 or more visits with the care navigator Patients had substantial barriers to care-85% of patients were not stably housed, 83% were unemployed, and 46% lacked access to a phone-and the most common domains of need were accessing addiction treatment, housing resources, or communication needs such as a phone or interpreter services. This intervention poses a model for connecting patients with MaUD to treatment after acute care encounters.
Tabi S, Myles A, Merceir R
… +4 more, Ore-Onitolo D, Devlin A, Fisher S, Morrison MF
Community Ment Health J
· 2026 May · PMID 41339977
·
Full text
INTRODUCTION: Disparities in mental health treatment for low-income, Black and Latinx populations have been well recognized. Beyond structural barriers, a noteworthy concern was whether attitudinal barriers played a majo...INTRODUCTION: Disparities in mental health treatment for low-income, Black and Latinx populations have been well recognized. Beyond structural barriers, a noteworthy concern was whether attitudinal barriers played a major role in initiating and maintaining treatment. More specifically, 35- to 60-year-old Black and Latina women have been understudied regarding their attitudes and preferences for mental health treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify attitudinal enablers and barriers that have prevented midlife low-income, Black and Latina women from North Philadelphia from initiating and continuing mental health treatment. METHODS: An inductive thematic analysis approach was utilized to inform the sampling, themes, and sub-themes of this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with predominantly 50 midlife Black and Latina women from a larger, longitudinal community-based cohort focused on health improvement in North Philadelphia, whose residents were predominantly minority and low-income. Individual semi-structured interviews, with open-ended questions were performed on our study population. This approach stimulated discussion about the participants' experiences and their feelings that both inhibited and supported accessing mental health treatment. Interviews were conducted, transcribed, and coded to identify themes by the research team. Data analysis was conducted after interviews were coded in 2 research team meetings using flow diagrams. RESULTS: The participants had a mean age of 50 years old, and the age range was 35-60 years old; most identified themselves as Black (n = 37) and reported being unemployed (n = 33). Nine overall themes were identified which included considerations of access and sustainability of mental health treatment: attitudinal and structural barriers to treatment, the need for confidentiality, the opportunity to learn coping skills, perceived helpfulness of treatment, medication considerations, therapy as an outlet, prior bad experiences with treatment, and relationships with their mental health professionals. Stigma was influential in discouraging women from seeking mental health treatment. Individual provider-related concerns impacted mental health treatment, including the relationship with the therapist. A prior bad experience with mental health treatment was associated with negative feelings about treatment. Positive feelings about mental health treatment included having an outlet, valuing the relationship with their therapist, and noticing beneficial changes because of treatment. CONCLUSION: This study provided deeper insight from the unique community of low-income, primarily Black and Latina women in North Philadelphia. Our findings suggested that efforts to decrease stigma and educate this population of women about the significance and prevalence of mental health disorders may improve the disparities in mental health treatment in this population of midlife women. Continued emphasis on strengthening the connection between the woman and her therapist/psychiatrist and improving access to community-based interventions may help address treatment disparities in midlife women in North Philadelphia.
Siantz E, Nuncio-Zuñiga A, Martinez J
… +3 more, Molina T, Alegre J, Palinkas LA
Community Ment Health J
· 2026 May · PMID 41329304
·
Publisher ↗
Culturally responsive peer support services can improve access to and engagement with substance use and mental health services among Latinx persons, but how to implement a culturally responsive peer support program in a...Culturally responsive peer support services can improve access to and engagement with substance use and mental health services among Latinx persons, but how to implement a culturally responsive peer support program in a Spanish-speaking peer-run behavioral health organization is unclear. This qualitative study used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to explore determinants for implementing a culturally responsive peer support program. We conducted 14 interviews with peer support program leadership, Certified Peer Specialists (CPS), and CPS supervisors about implementation of and experience with the peer support program. Interviews were conducted and analyzed in Spanish and English using constant comparative methods and organized according to the CFIR. Key CFIR elements included: (1) Intervention characteristics: a culturally responsive approach that alleviated stigma while celebrating recovery culture and Latinx peer culture; (2) Outer setting: outside of the study setting, barriers to accessing behavioral health care were driven by cultural differences between providers and clients; (3) Inner setting: A robust model of culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate peer-to-peer supervision and a built environment that fosters a mutual aid-oriented organizational culture; (4) Individuals involved: supervision strengthens CPS knowledge and skills to deliver peer support; (5) Implementation Process: despite organizational supports, CPS work is emotionally draining. Future studies should explore the scalability of the supervision model and other implementation supports described here, using a culturally responsive lens.
Community Ment Health J
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41307869
·
Full text
During the perinatal period, many parents experience mental health difficulties of varying severity, which have been associated with adverse outcomes. Examples include perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) which...During the perinatal period, many parents experience mental health difficulties of varying severity, which have been associated with adverse outcomes. Examples include perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) which can be thought to exist on a continuum from subclinical symptoms (e.g., intrusive thoughts (ITs)) to clinical diagnosis of OCD. Similarly postpartum psychosis can range from subclinical 'psychotic like experiences' (PLEs) to clinical diagnosis. These disorders are distinct conditions, yet some argue an overlap or comorbidity in symptoms, including co-occurrence postnatally, and they are therefore explored in tandem in this study. Limited literature explores these difficulties in community perinatal populations, and less is known about distress, or potential associations with parenting experiences. A cross-sectional, quantitative design was applied. Participants were parents in the postnatal period (12 months after birth); they completed an anonymous, online survey, exploring experiences of ITs, PLEs, parenting (perceived competence and stress) and mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress). Of 349 participants, 96% reported at least one IT, 90.8% reported associated distress and 95% engaged in behaviours to cope. Considering PLEs, 89% experienced at least one PLE, 88.8% reported associated distress and 30.4% could be considered 'at-risk' for developing psychosis. Distressing ITs and PLEs were significantly associated with lower perceived competence and satisfaction, increased parenting stress and mental health symptoms, although this relationship was indirectly mediated by depression and anxiety. Males reported more ITs, parenting stress, depression, anxiety, and lower perceived competence than females. More research is needed to better understand ITs and PLEs across and beyond the perinatal period.
Community Ment Health J
· 2026 May · PMID 41273661
·
Publisher ↗
Place-based health interventions are becoming popular in public health, but have been less common in behavioral health services. This study implemented mental health screenings with a total of 195 individuals across seve...Place-based health interventions are becoming popular in public health, but have been less common in behavioral health services. This study implemented mental health screenings with a total of 195 individuals across seven laundromats in Texas from March 2024-April 2025 to examine the potential to treat laundromats as a new, unique setting for place-based behavioral health interventions. The sample of laundromat users was screened for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and asked about their receptiveness to receiving healthcare interventions in laundromats. Multivariable analyses were conducted to examine individual characteristics associated with positive screens for MDD and AUD. Results found that 19.9% of laundromat users screened positive for MDD, which was comparable to county, state, and national estimates. However, 17.4% screened positive for AUD, which was higher than state and national estimates. The majority of the sample was Hispanic, had less than a college education, and reported annual incomes below $50,000. Laundromat users who were aged 60 years or older or who reported financial barriers to healthcare were significantly more likely to screen positive for MDD. Of the total sample, 83 (42.6%) completed a 1-month follow-up assessment and were re-screened for MDD and AUD which revealed no significant changes in rates of either disorder. Generally, participants reported a positive experience with the screenings in laundromats and reported being receptive to receiving other healthcare interventions in laundromats. In conclusion, this study found that providing health screenings in laundromats may reach underserved individuals. Laundromats may serve an important setting for further interventions after screenings.
Brar JS, Maise AA, Bruce DJ
… +3 more, Bills LJ, Fertall LA, Schuster J
Community Ment Health J
· 2026 May · PMID 41261307
·
Publisher ↗
Tobacco use among individuals with behavioral health conditions is higher than in the general population and a leading cause for morbidity and early mortality. This study examines a value-based payment (VBP) model to inc...Tobacco use among individuals with behavioral health conditions is higher than in the general population and a leading cause for morbidity and early mortality. This study examines a value-based payment (VBP) model to incentivize provision of tobacco cessation counseling (TCC) and pharmacological treatment with varenicline among 38 behavioral health homes (a person-centered approach to coordinating comprehensive healthcare in behavioral health service settings for individuals with chronic behavioral and physical health conditions) within a non-profit Medicaid behavioral health managed care network utilizing the Behavioral Health Home Plus (BHHP) model. Pre-post comparisons indicate that rates of filled varenicline prescriptions increased in the BHHP population from 10.01 per 1,000 service users to 19.01 per 1,000 service users following implementation of the VBP (p < .0001). Comparisons with other in-network behavioral health service users without BHHP or VBP indicate higher receipt of TCC (p < .0001) and varenicline (p < .0001) among the BHHP VBP group. This study provides some evidence that value-based purchasing may be used to incentivize provider agencies with behavioral health homes to increase access to tobacco cessation treatment for individuals with behavioral health conditions.