Treatment Outcomes for Asian Americans Diagnosed with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder.

We implemented a pilot study to investigate symptoms and functional outcomes of Asian Americans treated in urban community mental health centers for a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Furthermore, we investigated whether these outcomes differed between East and Southeast Asians. We collected quantitative data from 75 participants recruited using a nonprobability sampling strategy from six urban community mental health centers. We used the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (Kay et al. in Schizophrenia Bulletin 13(2):261-276, 1987) and the Strauss and Carpenter Outcome Scale (Strauss and Carpenter in Archives of General Psychiatry 27(6):739-746, 1972) to measure their symptoms and functional outcomes. To compare the outcomes between East and Southeast Asians, we used a multivariable logistic regression model, which adjusted for the estimated effects of age, sex assigned at birth, and age at onset of illness for each outcome examined. The data shows that the treatment outcomes for this group are poor. Only a small number of participants experienced symptomatic remission (30.67%), role restoration (34.67%), and clinical recovery (21.33%). The majority of those who did not experience clinical recovery had difficulties sustaining symptomatic remission and restoring role functioning (54.67%). However, more participants achieved social restoration (68.00%). The results did not vary by national origin groups and sex assigned at birth. However, the participant's age, the age at which the illness began, or both determined whether the treatment outcomes were favorable. Findings underscore the need for interventions that improve symptom control to increase the likelihood of other favorable outcomes.

The Experiences of Patients Enrolled in Community Mental Health Centers Regarding the Illness Process: A Phenomenological Study.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to explore in-depth the experiences of patients enrolled in Community Mental Health Centers regarding the illness process. DESIGN: This study employed interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), one of the phenomenological design approaches within qualitative research methods. METHODS: The study was conducted between 24 May 2023 and 23 December 2023, at two different Community Mental Health Centers located in the eastern and western regions of Turkey. Maximum variation sampling was employed in the selection of the sample, which consisted of 12 patients registered at the Community Mental Health Centers. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview form. The interviews were conducted face-to-face and audio-recorded. Content analysis was performed using the MAXQDA 2022 software package. The study was written following the COREQ checklist. FINDINGS: Based on the expressions of the patients, themes, subthemes and codes were identified. Accordingly, three themes were determined: 'emotions felt after diagnosis', 'changes in life with the illness process' and 'coping methods with the process'. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that patients from diverse geographical backgrounds, served by Community Mental Health Centers, share similar cultural and emotional experiences during their illness. These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions that address universal challenges faced by patients across different regions. CLINICAL EVIDENCE: This research emphasises the necessity of comprehensive efforts to improve societal understanding, support mechanisms and employment prospects for individuals dealing with mental health issues in Community Mental Health Centers.

Exploring the Relationship Between Psychological Constructs and Decision-Making Preferences in Psychiatric Outpatients.

Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the relationships among health locus of control, psychological reactance, attitudes toward psychiatric treatment, and patient decision-making preferences within a psychiatric outpatient population. Methods: A total of 200 consecutive psychiatric outpatients from a community mental health center in Tenerife, Spain, were approached for participation between September 2023 and March 2024. Of these, 151 patients consented to participate in this cross-sectional study. Participants were selected based on their willingness to participate and were provided with informed consent forms. Data were collected using the Patient's Health Belief Questionnaire on Psychiatric Treatment (PHBQPT) and the Control Preferences Scale (CPS). The PHBQPT evaluates health beliefs impacting adherence to psychiatric treatment, while the CPS assesses the preferred level of involvement in medical decision-making. Sociodemographic data were also collected to contextualize the findings. Results: Significant correlations were found between patients' control preferences and their attitudes towards medication, compliance with psychiatric advice, and perceptions of treatment control. A collaborative control preference was notably associated with positive attitudes toward medication and trust in the psychiatrist. These findings suggest that tailored treatment approaches prioritizing patient involvement could enhance adherence and outcomes. Conclusion:  The study underscores the importance of considering psychological constructs in psychiatric care to foster a holistic, patient-centered approach. Recognizing and integrating patients' control preferences, attitudes towards medication, and psychological reactance can improve the therapeutic relationship and treatment adherence. Future research should explore longitudinal and interventional studies to further understand the impact of aligning treatment approaches with patient preferences and psychological profiles.

In today's fast-paced world, understanding how we can better cater to the needs of psychiatric patients is more important than ever. This study, conducted in Tenerife, Spain, with 151 participants, shines a light on the intricate relationship between a patient's psychological mindset and their involvement in psychiatric care. Researchers explored how patients' beliefs about health control, their resistance or openness to psychiatric advice, and their preferences in treatment decisions intertwine to affect their approach to psychiatric treatment. The core findings reveal a fascinating tapestry of patient attitudes and behaviors. For example, patients who prefer a joint approach with their psychiatrists toward managing their treatment tend to have a more positive outlook on medication and a deeper trust in their doctors. This suggests that when patients feel they are part of the decision-making process, they are more likely to follow through with treatment plans, leading to better outcomes. What does this mean in everyday terms? Essentially, the study highlights the power of listening and integrating patients' viewpoints into their care plans. When patients see their insights and preferences reflected in their treatment, their engagement and adherence to medication improve. This not only fosters a more supportive environment for healing but also paves the way for more personalized, effective psychiatric care. In essence, this research is a call to action for healthcare providers to delve deeper into understanding each patient's unique psychological makeup. By doing so, they can tailor treatments that resonate more closely with the patient's own beliefs and preferences, ultimately leading to a more positive healthcare experience for everyone involved.

Characterizing Crisis Services Offered by Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics: Results From a National Survey.

OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to examine how certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs) fulfill crisis service requirements and whether clinics added crisis services after becoming a CCBHC. METHODS: National survey data on CCBHC crisis services were paired with data on clinic features and the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the counties within a CCBHC service area. The dependent variables were whether CCBHCs provided the three categories of CCBHC crisis services (i.e., crisis call lines, mobile crisis response, and crisis stabilization) directly or through another organization and whether these services were added after becoming a CCBHC. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed with data about clinics and the counties they served. In total, 449 CCBHCs were surveyed in the summer of 2022, with a response rate of 56%. The final sample comprised 247 clinics. RESULTS: The number of CCBHC employees per 1,000 people within a CCBHC service area was significantly and positively associated with clinics providing some crisis services directly (mobile crisis response: adjusted OR [AOR]=1.46, 95% CI=1.08-1.98; crisis stabilization services: AOR=1.60, 95% CI=1.17-2.19). Compared with clinics that did not receive a CCBHC Medicaid bundled payment, clinics that received this payment had higher odds of adding mobile crisis response (AOR=2.52, 95% CI=1.28-4.97) and crisis stabilization services (AOR=3.19, 95% CI=1.51-6.72) after becoming a CCBHC. CONCLUSIONS: CCBHC initiatives, particularly CCBHC Medicaid bundled payments, may provide opportunities to increase the availability of behavioral health crisis services, but the sufficiency of this increase for meeting crisis care needs remains unknown.

Qualitative insights into mental health treatment through telemedicine during the COVID-19 crisis: a natural experiment in community mental health centers.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing mental health challenges and introduced new ones, particularly among vulnerable populations such as individuals within the criminal justice system, who disproportionately experienced employment, financial, and housing issues. As mandatory lockdowns and social distancing mandates were implemented, the United States saw unprecedented interruptions to treatment. Telemedicine emerged as a transformative tool in alleviating new and existing treatment barriers. Yet, limited empirical research has examined the impact and implications of telemedicine on mental health treatment in criminal justice populations. METHODS: The timing of this study's data collection overlapped with the spread of COVID-19 in the United States and provided a unique opportunity to examine the impact of telemedicine as part of a natural experiment. Utilizing interviews with 61 community mental health center service providers, this study qualitatively examined service providers' experiences in treating criminal justice-involved individuals with serious mental illness who were receiving mental health treatment through telemedicine. RESULTS: Service providers expressed satisfaction with telemedicine in addressing client transportation and childcare barriers while increasing engagement. Service providers voiced new concerns regarding clients' confidentiality, digital literacy, and limitations to gathering non-verbal client information during virtual treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Mental health treatment offered through telemedicine mitigates barriers to treatment that disproportionately affect criminal justice clients. Despite its benefits, challenges like access to reliable internet and to internet-enabled devices, confidentiality concerns, and information gathering must be addressed to achieve optimal and equitable mental health treatment through telemedicine. The findings support the continued use of telemedicine in mental health treatment delivery for this population.

Epidemiological aspects of individuals with mental disorders in the referral system: the experience of a Community Mental Health Center in the northeast of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) offer affordable mental health services in a less stigmatized environment, in a domiciliary setting. This study aimed to shed light on the epidemiological factors of patients attending CMHCs of Mashhad, their referral status, and treatment. METHODS: This study was conducted over the medical records of patients seen by psychiatrists between January 2014 and December 2021 in Mashhad's CMHC, the northeast of Iran. A detailed questionnaire was used to extract data from medical records about the epidemiological characteristics, diagnosed mental illnesses, referral status, and how often they visited the psychiatrist. The association between epidemiological findings and patient referral (referral system or self-referral) as well as the association between epidemiological findings and the number of psychiatric revisits were examined using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Out of 662 patients, 472 (71%) were female and 190 (29%) were male, with an average age of 29 years. Among the 475 adult patients, 367 (77.3%) were married, with the majority being homemakers (56.4%). Major Depression Disorder (MDD) (32%) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) (18.3%) were the most prevalent mental health conditions among patients. The majority of patients (74.9%) were referred to the CMHC of Mashhad from Primary Healthcare centers (PHCs) and psychiatric hospitals. Furthermore, female gender and patients with lower level of education were associated with more referral through from referral system. Of note, 431 patients (65.1%) did not return for a second visit, the ratio of treatment dropout was higher for patients with lower education levels. CONCLUSIONS: Referral system should be more practical in Iran to enhance health services in CMHCs. It is recommended that PHCs undergo certain modifications to enhance the referral process for patients with mental health conditions, focusing on common mental disorders and individuals with low socioeconomic level.

What Really Matters in the Implementation of Evidence-based Practices in Community Mental Health? Insight and Recommendations from Experts, Providers, and Clients.

Perceptions of evidence-based practices (EBPs) and implementation are inherent drivers of implementation outcomes. Most studies on implementation perceptions have focused on direct service providers, but clients and EBP experts may offer additional meaningful information about implementing EBPs in community settings. EBP providers (n = 21), EBP experts (n = 12), and clients who received EBPs (n = 6) participated in focus groups to ascertain their perceptions of and experiences with EBP implementation, as part of a program evaluation. Thematic analysis indicated that provider and expert perceptions of EBP implementation in community settings converged around themes of implementation supports and training and client outcomes, along with several subthemes. Client perceptions centered on themes regarding the importance of their personal experiences, their impressions of EBPs, as well as their recommendation for increasing public awareness and use of EBPs. Findings suggest that the perspectives of EBP providers and experts are closely aligned, focusing on system-level, individual-level, and training issues that impact EBP implementation within a public mental health system. The themes that were important to clients were primarily related to their experiences as recipients of an EBP which produced insightful recommendations for promoting EBPs in the community.

Integrating Board-Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists in a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic.

Demand for mental health services has dramatically increased in recent years, raising concerns about the availability of service providers to meet these increased needs. One approach to expanding access to care is the use of highly qualified board-certified psychiatric pharmacists (BCPPs). However, the implementation of programs for integrating BCPPs has not been well characterized in community mental health settings. This column describes the development and implementation of a comprehensive practice model to incorporate BCPPs in a certified community behavioral health clinic. The authors report the results from the first 14 months of BCPP integration (based on 3,221 direct patient care interventions), offer recommendations, and highlight lessons learned.

Implementation of Research in Community Mental Health Centers: The Challenge of Provider Engagement.

Conducting clinical research in public sector community mental health centers (CMHCs) can be challenging. The purpose of this report is to describe the challenges our research team encountered in engaging CMHC providers in a clinical trial aimed at testing an intervention to improve parent activation and engagement in their child's behavioral healthcare. We discuss the intervention we aimed to test, the challenges we encountered engaging providers, and the barriers to engagement that we identified. The barriers included restrictive inclusion criteria, an ambitious randomized controlled design, a dyadic (provider-parent) recruitment plan, a requirement to record provider-parent sessions, and high day-to-day practice demands on providers. The strategies we used to address the barriers and a discussion of the "trade-offs" these strategies introduced are presented. Improving provider engagement in research in CMHCs can avoid research delays or termination of studies and ultimately mitigate an early blockage in the research-to-practice pipeline.

Vivenciando o cuidado em saúde bucal para pessoas idosas em acompanhamento em saúde mental: relato de experiência / Experiencing oral health care aimed at older people undergoing mental health care: an experience report

A interlocução entre saúde mental, pessoas idosas e saúde bucal é um assunto que precisa ser abordado na formação em Odontologia. Mesmo que em um curto período dentro dos 5 anos de formação, um momento em que estes temas se encontram em um estágio extramuros mostra-se interessante e enriquecedor. O objetivo do presente artigo é apresentar um relato de experiência de estudantes de Odontologia na promoção da saúde dentro do escopo da Odontologia em uma instituição de longa permanência em um município do Rio Grande do Sul. Metodologicamente, o presente relato de experiência foi estruturado de acordo com o referencial teórico para Sistematização de Experiências, seguindo os seguintes passos: descrição do ponto de partida, elaboração de perguntas iniciais, reflexão sobre o processo vivido e descrição e apresentação dos pontos finais da experiência. As 7 estudantes de graduação envolvidas nesta experiência planejaram e desenvolveram, com professores-tutores e supervisores locais, ações de cuidado e educação em saúde bucal para 32 pessoas institucionalizadas. As atividades desenvolvidas geraram engajamento mútuo, tanto das estagiárias quanto dos residentes e trabalhadores da instituição. Neste contexto, este texto apresenta experiências em uma narrativa permeada pelas dificuldades, potencialidades e motivações para o aprendizado da Odontologia (AU).

El diálogo entre salud mental, personas mayores y salud bucal es un tema que es necesario abordar en la formación de Odontología. Aunque sea en un corto período dentro de los 5 años de formación, un momento en el que estos temas se encuentran en una etapa extramuros resulta interesante y enriquecedor. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar un relato de experiencia de estudiantes de Odontología en la promoción de la salud en el ámbito de la Odontología en una institución de larga duración en una ciudad de Rio Grande do Sul. Metodológicamente, este relato de experiencia se estructuró de acuerdo con el marco teórico para Sistematización de Experiencias, siguiendo los siguientes pasos: descripción del punto de partida, elaboración de preguntas iniciales, reflexión sobre el proceso vivido y descripción y presentación de los puntos finales de la experiencia. Las 7 estudiantes de pregrado involucradas en esta experiencia planificaron y desarrollaron, con profesores-tutores y supervisores locales, acciones de educación y atención en salud bucal para 32 personas institucionalizadas. Las actividades desarrolladas generaron un compromiso mutuo, tanto entre los pasantes como entre los residentes y trabajadores de la institución. En este contexto, este texto presenta experiencias en una narrativa permeada por las dificultades, potencialidades y motivaciones para aprender Odontología (AU).

The dialogue between mental health, older people and oral health is a topic that must be addressed in Dentistry training. Even if in a short period within the 5 years of training, the moment when these themes come together in an internship program outside the college walls proves to be interesting and enriching. The objective of this article is to present an experience report of Dentistry students aimed at promoting healthwithin the scope of Dentistry in a long-term institution located in a municipality in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Methodologically, this experience report was structured according to the theoretical framework for Systematization of Experiences and followed these steps: description of the starting point, formulation of the initial questions, reflection about the process experienced and, finally, description and presentation of the end points of the experience. The 7 undergraduate students participating in this experience, together with tutor-professors and local supervisors, planned and developed care and educational actions focused on oral health for 32 institutionalized individuals. The activities developed generated mutual engagement between the interns and the institution's residents and workers. In this context, this article presents experiences that followed a narrative permeated by the difficulties, potentialities, and motivations encountered in the Dentistry learning process (AU).

Adopting a Novel Approach to Prevent and Address Patient Mistreatment of Staff in a Community Mental Health Center.

Verbal mistreatment of staff by patients is common in health care settings. Experiencing or witnessing mistreatment can have harmful psychological impacts, affecting well-being and clinical practice. As part of an effort to become an antiracist organization, an academic community mental health center based in Connecticut developed an initiative to address verbal mistreatment. Training in the Expect, Recognize, Address, Support, Establish (ERASE) framework was provided to 140 staff members. This training and subsequent actions to enhance the culture of safety were perceived as helpful by staff. Further development of the initiative is proceeding as the center's primary performance improvement program.

Cost of Implementing mHealth in Community Mental Health Settings: External Versus Internal Facilitation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the costs of two implementation models for the mobile health (mHealth) intervention FOCUS in community mental health settings. The external facilitation (EF) approach uses a hub-and-spoke model, in which a central specialist provides support to clinicians and clients at multiple agencies. With the internal facilitation (IF) approach, frontline clinical staff at each center are trained to serve as their organization's local specialists. METHODS: Financial and economic cost data were collected in the context of a hybrid type 3 effectiveness-implementation trial by using a mixed-methods, top-down expenditure analysis with microcosting approaches. The analysis compared the incremental costs of both models and the costs of successfully engaging clients (N=210) at 20 centers. Costs were characterized as start-up or recurrent (personnel, supplies, contracted services, and indirect costs). RESULTS: The average annual financial cost per site was $23,517 for EF and $19,118 for IF. EF yielded more FOCUS users at each center, such that the average monthly financial costs were lower for EF ($167 per client [N=129]) than for IF ($177 per client [N=81]). When using a real-world scenario based on economic costs and a lower organizational indirect rate, the average monthly cost per client was $73 for EF and $59 for IF. Both models reflected substantial cost reductions (about 50%) relative to a previous deployment of FOCUS in a clinical trial. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with IF, EF yielded more clients who received mHealth at community mental health centers and had comparable or lower costs.

Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression in Community Clinics: A Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The authors examined whether brief cognitive-behavioral therapy (bCBT) for depression, delivered by mental health providers in community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) of the Veterans Health Administration, improved depression outcomes and was feasible and acceptable in clinical settings. METHODS: The authors used a type-2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation, patient-randomized trial to compare bCBT with enhanced usual care. Participants (N=189) with moderate symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9] score ≥10) were enrolled from CBOCs in the southern United States. bCBT (N=109) consisted of three to six sessions, delivered by mental health providers (N=17) as part of routine clinic practices. Providers received comprehensive training and support to facilitate bCBT delivery. Recipients of enhanced usual care (N=80) were given educational materials and encouraged to discuss treatment options with their primary care provider. The primary effectiveness outcome was PHQ-9-assessed depression symptoms posttreatment (4 months after baseline) and at 8- and 12-month follow-ups. Implementation outcomes focused on bCBT dose received, provider fidelity, and satisfaction with bCBT training and support. RESULTS: bCBT improved depression symptoms (Cohen's d=0.55, p<0.01) relative to enhanced usual care posttreatment, and the improvement was maintained at 8- and 12-month follow-ups (p=0.004). bCBT participants received a mean±SD of 3.7±2.7 sessions (range 0-9), and 64% completed treatment (≥3 sessions). Providers delivered bCBT with fidelity and reported that bCBT training and support were feasible and effective. CONCLUSIONS: bCBT had a modest treatment footprint of approximately four sessions, was acceptable to participants and providers, was feasible for delivery in CBOCs, and produced meaningful sustained improvements in depression.

Costs of Coordinated Specialty Care for First-Episode Psychosis: A Microcosting Analysis.

In this study, the authors measured and described the costs of coordinated specialty care (CSC) for first-episode psychosis in Ohio. A microcosting tool was used to estimate personnel and nonpersonnel costs of service delivery at seven CSC programs. Average annual cost per participant (N=511 participants) was estimated as $17,810 (95% CI=$9,141-$26,479). On average, 61% (95% CI=53%-69%) of annual program costs were nonbillable. Key cost drivers included facility costs, administrative tasks, and social services. Novel financing models may redress reimbursement gaps incurred by CSC programs.

Availability and Accessibility of Mental Health Services for Youth: A Descriptive Survey of Safety-Net Health Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are critical access points for families with adolescents needing mental health care, especially those enrolled in Medicaid. However, barriers exist which may reduce their accessibility. This study aims to describe the availability and accessibility of outpatient mental health services for children and adolescents at safety-net health centers in a large metropolitan county. Approximately one year after the COVID-19 pandemic began in the U.S., a comprehensive sample of 117 CMHCs and 117 FQHCs were called and administered a 5-minute survey. Approximately 10% of health centers were closed, and 20% (28.2% of FQHCs and 7.7% of CMHCs) reported not offering outpatient mental health services. Despite CMHCs having 5.4 more clinicians on staff on average, reported wait times were longer at CMHCs than FQHCs. These findings indicate that online directories intended to be a comprehensive and accessible resource, such as the SAMHSA Treatment Locator, are often inaccurate or out-of-date.

Scaling a behavioral weight-loss intervention for individuals with serious mental illness using the enhanced replicating effective programs framework: A preconditions phase proof-of-concept study.

Background: Given the obesity's high prevalence among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), translating weight-loss interventions with demonstrated effectiveness is needed. This study describes the initial translation phase of such an intervention using the Enhanced Replicating Effective Programs (REP) Framework for delivery by mental health program staff. Methods: The Achieving Healthy Lifestyles in Psychiatric Rehabilitation (Achieving Healthy Lifestyles in Psychiatric Rehabilitation) trial intervention was preliminarily adapted to create the ACHIEVE-Dissemination (ACHIEVE-D) curriculum. A treatment-only study was conducted to rapidly evaluate the curriculum using a mixed-methods approach including surveys and focus groups. A study coach delivered an abbreviated curriculum to individuals with SMI from a single psychiatric program. Among all participants with SMI (n = 17), outcomes were attendance and satisfaction; 14 participated in a focus group. The program staff observed curriculum delivery and participated in a focus group (n = 3). Results: Overall, 23 group sessions were delivered. Median attendance was 78.6% across participants with SMI; 92.9% would recommend ACHIEVE-D to others. The staff found the curriculum acceptable, particularly its structured nature, inclusion of weight management and exercise, and integrated goal setting and tracking. These improvements recommended by participants and/or staff were to assess participant readiness-to-change prior to enrollment, change the frequency of weigh-ins, and train staff coaches on anticipated challenges (e.g., exercise engagement, weight fluctuations). Conclusions: During this first REP phase, individuals with SMI and program staff were satisfied with ACHIEVE-D. Additional refinements will aid future implementation and improve participant experience.

El cuidado de niños y adolescentes negros con problemas de salud mental en la interseccionalidad entre género y raza / The care provided to black-skinned children and adolescents with mental health problems in the intersection between gender and race / O cuidado de crianças e adolescentes negros com problemas de saúde mental na interseccionalidade entre gênero e raça

Objetivo: caracterizar el perfil sociofamiliar de niños y adolescentes negros con problemas de salud mental y describir desde un enfoque interseccional quién es responsable de su cuidado. Método: estudio exploratorio descriptivo de enfoque cualitativo, llevado a cabo en un Centro de Atención Psicosocial Infantil y Juvenil de la región norte del municipio de São Paulo. La recolección de datos se realizó con 47 familiares de niños y adolescentes negros, con el soporte de un guion con variables predefinidas, sometidas a análisis estadístico. Resultados: se realizaron 49 entrevistas, 95,5% con mujeres, con edad promedio de 39 años, 88,6% madres, 85,7% negras. La renta familiar procede del salario para el 100% de los cuidadores hombres y el 59% de las mujeres. Entre las cuidadoras negras, 25% tienen casa propia y, entre las pardas, 46,2%. Del total de cuidadores, el 10% vive en casas ocupadas, el 20% vive en viviendas cedidas, el 35% tiene casa propia y el 35% alquila. La red de contención social es mayor entre los blancos (16,7%), seguidos por los pardos (3,8%) y está ausente entre los negros (0%). Conclusión: las responsables por el cuidado de niños y e adolescentes negros atendidos en el CAPSij, son, casi en su totalidad mujeres, "madres o abuelas" negras (o mulatas), con acceso desigual a educación, trabajo y vivienda, derechos sociales constitucionales en Brasil.

Objective: to characterize the sociofamily profile of black-skinned children and adolescents with mental health problems and to intersectionally describe who assumes responsibility for their care. Method: a descriptive and exploratory study with a quantitative approach, developed in the Psychosocial Care Center for Children and Adolescents from the North region of the municipality of São Paulo. The data were collected from 47 family members of black-skinned children and adolescents, using a script with predefined variables submitted to statistical analysis. Results: a total of 49 interviews were conducted: 95.5% women with a mean age of 39 years old, 88.6% mothers and 85.7% black-skinned. Family income comes from wages for all the male caregivers and for 59% of the women. Among the black-skinned female caregivers, 25% live in their own house, whereas this percentage is 46.2% among the brown-skinned ones. Of all the caregivers, 10% have a job, 20% live in transferred properties, 35% in houses of their own and 35% in rented places. The social support network is larger among white-skinned people (16.7%), followed by brown-skinned (3.8%), and absent among black-skinned individuals (0%). Conclusion: those responsible for the care of black-skinned children and adolescents monitored by the CAPS-IJ are almost entirely women, black-skinned (black or brown) "mothers or grandmothers", with unequal access to education, work and housing, constitutional social rights in Brazil.

Objetivo: caracterizar o perfil sociofamiliar de crianças e adolescentes negros com problemas de saúde mental e descrever interseccionalmente quem se responsabiliza por seus cuidados. Método: estudo descritivo exploratório de abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvido em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Infantojuvenil da região norte do município de São Paulo. Os dados foram coletados com 47 familiares de crianças e adolescentes negros, utilizando um roteiro com variáveis pré-definidas, submetidas à análise estatística. Resultados: foram realizadas 49 entrevistas, sendo 95,5% com mulheres, média de idade de 39 anos, 88,6% mães, 85,7% negras. A renda familiar é proveniente de salário, para 100% dos cuidadores homens e para 59% das mulheres. Dentre as cuidadoras pretas, 25% possuem casa própria, sendo que, dentre as pardas, 46,2%. Do total de cuidadores, 10% vivem em condições de ocupação, 20% habitam moradias cedidas, 35% casas próprias e 35% alugadas. A rede social de suporte é maior entre os brancos (16,7%), seguido pelos pardos (3,8%) e ausente entre os pretos (0%). Conclusão: as responsáveis pelo cuidado de crianças e adolescentes negros acompanhados pelo CAPSij, são na quase totalidade mulheres, "mães ou avós" negras (pretas ou pardas), com acesso desigual à educação, trabalho e moradia, direitos sociais constitucionais no Brasil.

Attitudes Toward COVID-19 Vaccination Among Behavioral Health Service Clients.

OBJECTIVE: The authors examined attitudes toward and uptake of COVID-19 vaccination among individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorder. METHODS: Clients of a community mental health center in Texas (N=50) participated in semistructured, in-person interviews regarding their COVID-19 vaccination decision. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data. RESULTS: Most participants (68%) reported receipt of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Participants were motivated to get vaccinated mostly by a desire to protect themselves or others. Convenience of vaccination location and access to free vaccination facilitated vaccine uptake. However, concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine were common among both vaccinated and unvaccinated participants and could be reinforced or overcome by social network influences. CONCLUSIONS: Fear, uncertainty, and conflicting vaccine information were common themes in the COVID-19 vaccination decisions of behavioral health service clients. Improving access to information from trusted sources, including health care providers, could help to overcome vaccine concerns in this population.

The effect of "failed" community mental health centers on non-white mortality.

The Community Mental Health Act of 1963 established Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) across the country with the goal of providing continuous, comprehensive, community-oriented care to people suffering from mental illness. Despite this program being considered a failure by most contemporary accounts, the World Health Organization advocates for a transition from the institutionalization of the mentally ill to a system of community-centered care. In this paper, we construct a novel dataset documenting the rollout of CMHCs from 1971 to 1981 to identify the effect of establishing a CMHC on county level mortality rates, focusing on causes of death related to mental illness. Though we find little evidence that access to a CMHC impacted mortality rates in the white population, we find large and robust effects for the non-white population, with CMHCs reducing suicide and homicide rates by 8% and 14%, respectively. CMHCs also reduced deaths from alcohol in the female non-white population by 18%. These results suggest the historical narrative surrounding the failure of this program does not represent the non-white experience and that community care can be effective at reducing mental health related mortality in populations with the least access to alternative treatment options.

Characteristics of undergraduate and second speciality mental health programmes in Peru: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to describe the training offered and the availability of professionals required by the Ministry of Health for mental health problems management in the community. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on the training offered in mental health in Peruvian universities. A search for programs was conducted using the University Information System database and universities' websites, as well as using the Ministry of Health's database on health personnel and data on the number of enrolled and current students provided by the University Information System database and the Transparency section of the universities. RESULTS: There were 214 undergraduate, 55 specialty and 7 subspecialty programmes, of which 39%, 47% and 100%, respectively, were offered in the capital city. The duration ranged from 5 to 7 years for undergraduate programs and from 1 to 3 years for subspecialty and second specialty programs. The cost of undergraduate programs ranged from free of charge up to USD 6863.75 for the first semester of study. Second specialty programs ranged from 720 up to 11 986 USD and subspecialty programs ranged from 2267 up to 9138 USD, with medicine being the most expensive. On the other hand, there are a greater number of psychology students (n = 78 781) pursuing undergraduate studies than working professionals (n = 5368), while in the second specialty of psychiatry there are far fewer students pursuing the specialty (n = 67) than working professionals (n = 454). CONCLUSIONS: The problem of professional training in mental health requires that the institutions involved in health and education develop policies to decentralize programs, communicate the demand for professionals in certain areas, make them accessible to the low-income population, respond to mental health problems and guarantee their quality. On the other hand, regarding the low number of mental health personnel working, it is suggested to increase the mental health budget to generate more mental health services and employment.