Inclusionary Practices for Mental Illness
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Increasing Inclusionary Practices in Faith Communities, Faith Community Inclusion Intervention?
Research shows that community inclusion, which involves welcoming people with mental illnesses into faith communities, can improve mental health by promoting participation in meaningful activities. Additionally, partnerships between religious congregations and mental health organizations have been effective in reducing stigma and increasing access to mental health services, particularly in culturally diverse communities.12345
How does the Faith Community Inclusion Intervention treatment differ from other treatments for mental illness?
The Faith Community Inclusion Intervention is unique because it focuses on increasing community participation and inclusion within faith communities, which can improve mental health by addressing social determinants like employment and social relationships. Unlike traditional treatments that may focus on medication or therapy, this approach leverages the support and resources of religious congregations to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health services, particularly for culturally diverse groups.23456
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this intervention study is to test a behavioral intervention to increase inclusionary practices toward individuals with serious mental illness in faith communities. The main questions it aims to answer are:1. To determine if the behavior-based intervention leads to an increase in inclusionary practices (e.g., conducting outreach with mental health agencies).2. To determine if the behavior-based intervention is effective in increasing inclusive practices by members and leaders of faith communities.3. To determine if the intervention leads to a greater understand of mental illness and a decrease in stigmatizing beliefs by congregation members.4. To determine if the intervention results in individuals with serious mental illness and their family members reporting less discrimination and increased inclusion.Congregations will be asked to create an inclusion committee that will then work on developing systems and changing congregational practices to become more inclusive. All congregation members will be invited to a half-day training that will provide information on mental illness and inclusion, and will provide tips and strategies when they encounter situations or behaviors that are less familiar to them. All congregation members will be given the opportunity to participate in a survey about congregational practices.
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for faith communities interested in becoming more inclusive towards individuals with serious mental illness. Congregations must be willing to form an inclusion committee, participate in a half-day training on mental health and inclusion, and engage in surveys about their practices.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Congregations participate in a behavior-based intervention to increase inclusionary practices for 11-12 months
Training
All congregation members attend a half-day training on mental illness and inclusion
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in inclusionary practices and attitudes towards mental illness
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Increasing Inclusionary Practices in Faith Communities
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Temple University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research
Collaborator