Systemic Family Therapy and Community-Based Participatory Research: Addressing Health Disparities in a Brazilian...

Area of Science:

• Global Mental Health
• Community Psychology
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Mental illness affects 50% of the global population, yet less than 25% receive treatment.
• A significant gap exists between the rising demand for mental health services and the availability of providers.
• Innovative, scalable approaches are crucial to address diverse needs and cultural expectations in mental healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach for addressing mental health needs in an underserved Brazilian community.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of CBPR in fostering trust, empowering community members, and improving mental health outcomes.
• To demonstrate how CBPR can facilitate social change within vulnerable populations.

Main Methods:

• A community-based participatory research (CBPR) framework was implemented.
• Systemically trained clinicians and researchers collaborated with community members.
• The approach focused on the specific mental health needs of a vulnerable, underserved population in Brazil.

Main Results:

• The CBPR approach successfully fostered trust between researchers and the community.
• Community members were empowered to take ownership of their mental health needs.
• The interventions developed through CBPR led to improved mental health outcomes and positive social change.

Conclusions:

• Community-based participatory research is an effective model for addressing mental health disparities in underserved populations.
• Empowering communities through collaborative research enhances mental well-being and promotes sustainable social change.
• This approach offers a scalable solution to the growing global mental health crisis.