Tag: Paraprofessionals

April 15, 2024 | Publications

This Open Forum highlights an innovative effort in Washington State to initiate a bachelor’s-level behavioral health support specialist (BHSS) curriculum leading to credentialing to expand the mental health workforce and improve access to care for people with depression and anxiety.

January 13, 2023 | Publications

Authors examined qualitative reports of nonspecialist provider (NSP) experiences delivering a brief structured behavioral intervention for depression (called “Do More, Feel Better” [DMFB]) to adults aged 55 and older. NSPs perceived the intervention and delivery experience to be acceptable, feasible, and appropriate. Qualitative results provided insight into specific barriers and facilitators which may be important to consider when planning to implement task sharing.

November 2, 2022 | Publications

This article proposes the development of non-specialist professional roles to deliver low-intensity behavioral interventions for common mental health conditions in U.S. settings such as primary care, to improve access to mental health care. Using data and a multilevel stakeholder assessment, authors discuss findings and challenges associated with such a role, ultimately concluding that stakeholders find such a role to be acceptable and feasible.

June 11, 2022 | Publications

With an eye toward expanding U.S. geriatric mental health services, this proof-of-concept-trial examined the feasibility of training undergraduate students to deliver Do More, Feel Better, an evidence-informed program for depression; and feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes of this program. The trial concluded that it is feasible to train bachelor’s-level students to deliver a brief, structured intervention for depression.

May 1, 2022 | Publications

This randomized control trial tested “Do More, Feel Better”, a lay-delivered Behavioral Activation intervention for senior center clients with depression. It found that evidence-based behavioral interventions delivered by lay volunteers can increase activity levels and reduce depression severity in older adults; and that this approach has the potential to address the insufficient workforce available to meet the mental health needs of community-dwelling older adults.

December 4, 2019 | Publications

This study examined the implementation of lay-delivered behavioral interventions to help seniors with depression to increase participation in rewarding activities. The study found high depression rates among senior center clients and supported the acceptability of lay-delivered behavioral interventions.