Train and EMPOWER A Community Health Workforce

Summary

The investigators propose a multi-step approach to improve access to mental health care. The plan focuses on three goals: increasing diversity in the mental health workforce, bringing more expertise into the community, and strengthening the community's ability to address the factors that impact mental health. To do this, the TEACH study team will work with students from underrepresented groups at a minority-serving institution (MSI). Students will be provided the opportunity to obtain their CHW Certification while receiving course credit for their degree. Students will then be eligible to participate in an internship to utilize their skills. The TEACH study team will help these students with their training, supervision, and ongoing support. These students will then be able to work with their communities to tackle common mental health issues and the social factors that contribute to those problems.

Eligibility

Age range

18+ years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Other
  A semester-long course for training of students as CHWs with additional EMPOWER training for delivering a brief trans-diagnostic psychosocial intervention.

  Students will participate in a special topics course resulting in a CHW certification with the state of Texas. The course will focus on behavioral activation training. Undergraduate Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students will then be deployed to the Baylor Scott and White Health system as certified CHWs with psychosocial training to provide a sufficient level of care for many, and an entry point to clinical care for those who have needs that are currently unaddressed.

Locations (2)