Peer Mentors for Mental Health Wellness

Overseen By Marissa Adams, MPH

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Northern Arizona University

Disqualifiers: No GED/High School Diploma

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

4 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about the impacts of participating in a peer mentor program in a Southwestern Tribal Community. The main questions it aims to answer are: * In American Indian/Alaska Native communities with unique cultural characteristics, how should a youth-focused sociotechnical behavioral health intervention be designed to encourage sustained engagement and positively impact indicators of behavioral health?; * How can interactive technical interventions be designed to best support sustained community engagement in a challenged network environment? Participants will: * Be trained as peer mentors * Be trained in how to use the QI App to communicate with mentees * Guide daily conversation prompts with a group of 3 mentees via the QI App * Provide daily encouragement to mentees to engage with mindfulness activities on the QI App

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Peer Mentors for mental health wellness?

Research shows that peer mentors can significantly reduce depression symptoms, performing as well as traditional treatments and better than no treatment. Peer support is also valued for improving mental health service experiences and outcomes, as seen in studies from Canada and Norway. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is peer mentoring for mental health generally safe for participants?

Research on peer mentoring in mental health settings suggests it is generally safe, with benefits like emotional support and improved communication. However, it's important to ensure peer mentors are well-trained to minimize any potential risks. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

How is the Peer Mentors treatment different from other mental health treatments?

The Peer Mentors treatment is unique because it involves individuals with personal experience in mental health issues providing support to others, which can improve both the mentor's and the recipient's sense of belonging and coping skills. Unlike traditional treatments, this approach focuses on shared experiences and mutual support rather than medication or professional therapy. ^{2 10 11 12 13}

Research Team

Morgan Vigil-Hayes, PhD

Principal Investigator

Northern Arizona University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for members of a Southwestern Tribal Community who have completed at least high school or GED, own a smartphone, and can access the internet daily. It's not open to those without this level of education.

Inclusion Criteria

Member of Southwestern Tribal Community

Has a smartphone

Has access to the Internet with the smartphone at least once per day

Exclusion Criteria

Has not completed GED/High School Diploma

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training

Participants are trained as peer mentors and in the use of the QI App to communicate with mentees

2 weeks

1 visit (in-person), ongoing virtual training

Mentorship Program

Participants guide daily conversation prompts and provide encouragement to mentees via the QI App

6 weeks

Daily virtual interactions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for the impact of the mentorship program on various psychological measures

6 weeks

3 visits (virtual) at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Peer Mentors

Trial Overview The study tests a peer mentor program where trained mentors use the QI App to guide and encourage mentees in mindfulness activities. The aim is to see how such programs work in American Indian/Alaska Native communities.

Participant Groups

Group I: Peer Mentors Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be trained in how to be peer mentors to anonymous participants through a smartphone app. Participants will provide daily prompts to their mentees to encourage anonymous discussion in the group chat feature of the smartphone app. Participants will provide daily encouragement to their mentees to use features of the smartphone app to practice mindfulness skills.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Northern Arizona University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

36

Recruited

6,300+

University of Colorado, Denver

Collaborator

Trials

1,842

Recruited

3,028,000+

Findings from Research

A pilot study involving 30 older adults and 6 peer mentors showed that 96% of participants attended all sessions, and 85% experienced a decrease in depressive symptoms, indicating high acceptability and potential efficacy of peer-delivered care.

Patients reported strong, trusting relationships with peer mentors, highlighting the importance of trust and communication skills, which contributed to feelings of hope and positive changes in their attitudes and behaviors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Innovative Model of Depression Care Delivery: Peer Mentors in Collaboration with a Mental Health Professional to Relieve Depression in Older Adults. Joo, JH., Hwang, S., Abu, H., et al.[2018]

The program involved 29 peer mentors, who are individuals with lived experience of psychiatric disorders, and aimed to transform public psychiatry practices towards recovery, showing that peer mentorship can positively influence consumer perceptions of mental illness and the healthcare system.

Consumers reported that interactions with peer mentors fostered a sense of camaraderie and hope, highlighting the importance of voluntary, informal, and supportive relationships in mental health care, which can enhance the therapeutic experience.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Encounters between peer workers and users of psychiatry in France: general characteristics and effects of the device on the representations of users. Part 1]. Demailly, L., Garnoussi, N.[2015]

Peer-administered interventions (PAIs) significantly reduce depression symptoms, with a moderate effect size of 0.5043 based on a meta-analysis of 23 studies.

PAIs are as effective as non-peer-administered treatments and significantly outperform no-treatment conditions, suggesting they are a valuable option for depression treatment, especially when delivered purely by peers rather than in conjunction with professionals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Meta-analysis of the effects of peer-administered psychosocial interventions on symptoms of depression. Bryan, AE., Arkowitz, H.[2015]

Mental health peer support is recognized as an effective method to enhance mental health services, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs, as highlighted in Canada's mental health strategy.

The study identifies key strategies for integrating peer support into clinical settings, such as gradual implementation, building support among staff, and prioritizing patient-centered care, which can help overcome challenges in adoption.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Integrating mental health peer support in clinical settings: Lessons from Canada and Norway. Mulvale, G., Wilson, F., Jones, S., et al.[2019]

The peer mentor program, which included 8 trained mentors and 30 participants with serious mental illnesses over a 6-month period, showed high feasibility and acceptability, with 93% of mentors delivering the intervention effectively and 28 out of 30 participants regularly meeting with their mentors.

Participants experienced significant reductions in smoking behavior, evidenced by decreased exhaled carbon monoxide levels and fewer cigarettes smoked per day, although only 10% achieved sustained abstinence, indicating the program's potential but also the challenges in long-term cessation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of peer mentors to enhance a smoking cessation intervention for persons with serious mental illnesses. Dickerson, FB., Savage, CL., Schweinfurth, LA., et al.[2019]

Peer support work in psychiatric hospitals has shown beneficial effects for patients, including reduced professional distance, increased one-on-one time with staff, and serving as a recovery role model.

Mental health professionals reported positive impacts such as gaining new perspectives, improved continuity of treatment, and maintaining respectful communication, highlighting the value of peer support in enhancing care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Beneficial effects of peer support in psychiatric hospitals. A critical reflection on the results of a qualitative interview and focus group study. Otte, I., Werning, A., Nossek, A., et al.[2021]

The establishment of a Peer Support Service at Brigham and Women's Hospital provides healthcare professionals with a safe space to discuss the emotional impact of adverse medical events, promoting open communication and compassion in the workplace.

This initiative highlights the importance of addressing the emotional well-being of care providers as a critical component of patient safety and quality of care, recognizing that support services can enhance the overall healthcare environment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer support: healthcare professionals supporting each other after adverse medical events. van Pelt, F.[2021]

In-depth interviews with 91 participants, including peer workers and mental health staff, highlighted that protective practices often limited peer workers' ability to share their lived experiences, which could impact their effectiveness.

The study suggests that peer workers possess unique experiential knowledge that could enhance risk management in mental health services, indicating a need for better integration of their insights into formal risk management practices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer worker roles and risk in mental health services: a qualitative comparative case study. Holley, J., Gillard, S., Gibson, S.[2021]

A peer-to-peer support program implemented at a pediatric medical center trained 125 supporters and received 2187 referrals, demonstrating its feasibility in addressing healthcare worker burnout.

Survey results showed that 71.8% of frontline clinicians found the program valuable, and 81.3% recommended it for those involved in adverse and stressful events, indicating its effectiveness in mitigating emotional distress.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementation of a Peer-to-Peer Support Program in a Quaternary Pediatric Medical Center. Simpson, SL., Khan, S., Schiferl, LM., et al.[2023]

Peer wellness coaching is an innovative approach that supports individuals with mental and substance use disorders in their recovery journey, enhancing their self-care skills.

This method not only aids in personal recovery but also improves job satisfaction and tenure for peer providers, indicating its potential effectiveness in the workforce.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promoting wellness of peer providers through coaching. Brice, GH., Swarbrick, MA., Gill, KJ.[2014]

Peer supporters face significant challenges in maintaining their mental health, including a lack of training and support, role ambiguity, and the emotional labor involved in their work, as identified through interviews with 11 peer supporters in North East England.

There is a strong need for targeted, co-produced training programs that focus on both the specific roles of peer supporters and strategies to enhance their own mental health and emotional wellbeing.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer supporters' mental health and emotional wellbeing needs: Key factors and opportunities for co-produced training. Kane, L., Portman, RM., Eberhardt, J., et al.[2023]

Peer support workers in a college setting experienced a slight decrease in flourishing immediately after training compared to other trained student workers, indicating potential initial challenges in their mental wellness.

After 6 weeks of providing peer support, these workers showed significant improvements in coping strategies and feelings of belonging, suggesting that their role positively impacts certain aspects of their mental health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychosocial impacts on college students providing mental health peer support. Johnson, BA., Riley, JB.[2021]

The mental health peer support program significantly improved peer support workers' (PSWs) perceptions of their occupational performance, including their ability to find work and contribute to the community, with statistically significant results (p < 0.05).

Participants across all groups (PSWs, service users, and mental health professionals) reported positive outcomes, with PSWs experiencing increased self-esteem, service users feeling hopeful in their recovery, and professionals viewing the program as beneficial for their growth.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Training Peer Support Workers in Mental Health Care: A Mixed Methods Study in Central Catalonia. Prat Vigué, G., Cano Prieto, I., Del Río Sáez, R., et al.[2022]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Innovative Model of Depression Care Delivery: Peer Mentors in Collaboration with a Mental Health Professional to Relieve Depression in Older Adults. [2018]

2. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Encounters between peer workers and users of psychiatry in France: general characteristics and effects of the device on the representations of users. Part 1]. [2015]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Meta-analysis of the effects of peer-administered psychosocial interventions on symptoms of depression. [2015]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Integrating mental health peer support in clinical settings: Lessons from Canada and Norway. [2019]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of peer mentors to enhance a smoking cessation intervention for persons with serious mental illnesses. [2019]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Beneficial effects of peer support in psychiatric hospitals. A critical reflection on the results of a qualitative interview and focus group study. [2021]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer support: healthcare professionals supporting each other after adverse medical events. [2021]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer worker roles and risk in mental health services: a qualitative comparative case study. [2021]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementation of a Peer-to-Peer Support Program in a Quaternary Pediatric Medical Center. [2023]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promoting wellness of peer providers through coaching. [2014]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer supporters' mental health and emotional wellbeing needs: Key factors and opportunities for co-produced training. [2023]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychosocial impacts on college students providing mental health peer support. [2021]

13. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Training Peer Support Workers in Mental Health Care: A Mixed Methods Study in Central Catalonia. [2022]