Initial Testing of Whole Health STEPS

Initial Testing of Whole Health STEPS (Structured Tiered Engagement With Peer Support)

This clinical trial is evaluating Whole Health STEPS (Structured Tiered Engagement with Peer Support), a package of services designed to improve functional outcomes for primary care Veterans with mental health concerns who are not actively engaged in mental health services. Whole Health STEPS uses a Peer Support Specialist, or Peer, to provide support for Veterans to make progress on wellness goals using the Whole Health model. The level of support provided will be determined based on Veterans' progress and will be stepped-up until Veterans receive the level of support they need. Whole Health STEPS offers a non-mental health referral option for primary care Veterans with mental health concerns, provides a structured package of existing Whole Health services, and provides a structured service for peers in primary care settings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Veteran status
• Enrolled in primary care at a participating site
• Have at least mild functional impairment
• Screen positive on at least one primary care mental health screener

Exclusion Criteria:

• Actively engaged with an equivalent or higher level of care
• Preference for direct referral to mental health care
• Recent changes to psychotropic medications
• Severe impairment preventing engagement in the intervention or warranting a direct referral to a licensed independent provider
• Inability to independently communicate in verbal and written English
• Inability to complete the research tasks or intervention