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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore how a peer mentor program can support mental health in a Southwestern Tribal Community. Participants will serve as peer mentors, guiding and encouraging younger community members through a smartphone app focused on mindfulness and discussion. The trial seeks to determine how this approach can maintain engagement and improve mental well-being. Suitable participants are members of the Southwestern Tribal Community with a smartphone and daily internet access. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative mental health support strategies within the community.

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 prior data suggests that this peer mentor program is safe?

Research shows that peer mentoring in mental health is generally safe. Studies have found that peer support offers emotional help and improves communication skills. This assistance can benefit those dealing with mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Importantly, these studies have not reported any major safety concerns. Such programs often use a trauma-informed approach, focusing on ensuring participants feel safe physically, mentally, and emotionally. Overall, peer mentorship in mental health settings is well-received, providing clear benefits with minimal risks. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the use of peer mentors for mental health wellness because it introduces a fresh, community-driven approach to support. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely on therapy sessions or medication, peer mentoring leverages the power of shared experiences and mutual support through a smartphone app. This method encourages daily interaction and mindfulness practice, fostering a supportive environment that can be more relatable and less intimidating for participants. By using technology, it also offers a flexible and accessible way for individuals to engage with mental health resources on their own terms.

What evidence suggests that this peer mentor program is effective for mental health wellness?

Research has shown that having a peer mentor can positively affect mental health. For example, one study found that people with peer mentors experienced greater reductions in substance use and mental health symptoms. Another study demonstrated that peer support led to a moderate decrease in depression symptoms. Additionally, peer support has been linked to less time spent in hospitals, indicating better overall mental health management. Peer mentoring can also enhance social and personal well-being. These findings suggest that peer mentors, whom participants in this trial will be trained to become, could effectively support mental health wellness. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Morgan Vigil-Hayes, PhD

Principal Investigator

Northern Arizona University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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]

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 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]

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 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]

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

Citations

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withpower.com

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Peer Mentors for Mental Health Wellness

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

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sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S106474811600155X

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Ninety-six percent of patients attended all eight meetings with the peer mentor and PHQ-9 scores decreased for 85% of patients. Patients formed strong, trusting ...

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This mentoring program effectively increased resilience and helped maintain mental health, contributing to developing skilled healthcare professionals.

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Core Competencies for Peer Workers: Behavioral Health

Trauma-informed: Peer recovery support utilizes a strength-based framework that emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety and ...