Community-Centered Approaches for Mental Health Protection and Promotion

The literature on health disparities and inequities has continually highlighted the importance of engaging with communities as part of the research process. Developing partnerships with community leaders and stakeholders can help to ensure that research is relevant, timely, and effective, particularly for meeting the unique needs and priorities for communities of interest. Community-engaged and participatory methods are particularly important for mental health and substance use prevention and treatment, as these outcome areas have numerous correlates, social determinants, and risk and protective factors. To more fully address downstream mental health and substance use outcomes (e.g., suicide and overdose rates), strategies are needed along the spectrum of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. The goal of this Research Topic is to highlight (1) participatory research methods and (2) community-centered approaches for prevention and promotion, both within mental health and substance use. This topic aims to showcase the intentional ways that researchers have developed and maintained active community partnerships focused on prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. The collection will also explore innovative programs, original and adapted interventions, and creative solutions for mental health and substance use. We are particularly interested in programs which help communities to overcome common and persistent barriers to professional care and treatment, such as stigma, cost, limited accessibility and availability of providers. Contributions may include review articles, original research papers, and case studies.Submissions may focus on, but are not limited to:• Participatory research methods in defining problems, designing and implementing interventions• Co-design and co-production in development of community resources and programs• Cultural humility in development of community partnerships and other areas• Integration of lived experience in research methods• Strategies for mental health and substance use prevention and treatment Topic editors: Alexandria Bauer, Megan Rattray, Joah Williams Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77925/community-centered-approaches-for-mental-health-protection-and-promotion