Pilot Studies to Test the Initiation of a Mental Health Family Navigator Model to Promote Early Access, Engagement and Coordination of Needed Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents (R34 Clinical Trial Required)

The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) released is encouraging research applications tackling the development and pilot testing of family navigator models. These models are aimed at promoting early access, proactive participation, and the coordination of mental health services for children and adolescents who are beginning to display symptoms of mental health issues.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) explains the family navigator model as a health care professional or equally skilled individual who applies a range of strategies. Their main goal is to promptly involve youth and their families into the required treatment and services. They work closely with the family and respective treatment and service providers to ensure optimal care. In addition, they keep track of the progress of mental health symptoms and outcomes over time.

Researchers are encouraged to develop and pilot test these navigational models to assess their ability to boost early access, engagement, and coordination of mental health services once any signs are detected in children and adolescents. The models of interests are those that can streamline the needed care strategies, figure out personalized matches to the amount, frequency, and intensity of required service, and utilize innovative technologies to track the trajectory of clinical, functional, and behavioral development towards intended service outcomes.

It's crucial to note that this FOA runs alongside a companion R01 (temporarily known as Temp-11229) for research applications as well.