Strategic intervention: a mental health program for the Hispanic community

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Mental Health
• Cultural Competency in Healthcare

Background:

• The Worcester Youth Guidance Center identified a need for tailored mental health services within the local Hispanic community.
• Existing mental health literature and community leader consultations informed program development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and components of a strategic intervention model for Hispanic mental health programs.
• To provide a rationale for the use of strategic intervention in serving this population.

Main Methods:

• Development of a five-component program: community education/training, clinical consultation, program consultation, research, and clinical intervention/case management.
• Application of strategic intervention principles informed by literature and community engagement.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive, multi-component mental health program tailored to the Hispanic community has been established.
• The strategic intervention model provides a structured framework for program delivery and adaptation.

Conclusions:

• Strategic intervention offers an effective framework for developing culturally relevant mental health services.
• The described program components can serve as a model for other community-based organizations aiming to serve diverse populations.