Engaging Pacific Islanders in Mental Health Treatment

Engaging Pacific Islanders in Mental Health Treatment Services

This study will create and pilot test a culturally grounded intervention (Talking Story) to increase mental health treatment seeking among Pacific Islanders with mental disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder).

For the clinical trial arm of this pilot/feasibility study, the investigators will conduct a pilottest of the culturally grounded Talking Story mental health treatment-seeking intervention with 48 Pacific Islander participants (24 intervention arm, 24 wait-list control) in preparation for larger R01 randomized wait-list controlled testing.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Of Pacific Islander or part Pacific Islander heritage,
2. Must be over 18 years of age,
3. Live in Los Angeles County or surrounding areas,
4. Fluent (oral and reading) in English,
5. Not have dual comorbidities in major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and/or alcohol use disorder (they may have one of these disorders and still participate but not two or three).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Do not meet inclusion criteria,
2. Are unwilling to participate,
3. Fail to provide or retracts consent,
4. Reside outside the target communities.