PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This K08 proposal will address a critical need for evaluating and understanding the implementation of community health worker (CHW) mental health models to reduce treatment disparities for underserved groups, specifically, Spanish-speaking Latine parents. The Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA) is an effective transdiagnostic evidence-based treatment (EBT) designed to be delivered by lay providers with little to no prior mental health training (i.e., CHWs). As members of the community served, CHWs can facilitate culturally and linguistically relevant services, making them a crucial resource given the shrinking availability of Spanish services in the U.S. CHWs have demonstrated effectiveness in delivering CETA and other EBTs globally, but there is little evidence to guide domestic implementation of these models. The goal of this project is to evaluate the implementation of CHW delivered CETA in Spanish with Latine parents. In Aim 1, the PI will collaborate with stakeholders to refine CETA fit for a Spanish-speaking Latine parent population. Guided by ADAPT-ITT, an implementation framework for EBT refinement, a community advisory board (CAB) will lead refinement around areas of cultural relevance and engagement. Aim 2 will use mixed methods to assess multilevel implementation determinants during the CETA training period, which includes initial CHW implementation with training cases, and use this information for ethics-driven implementation planning. Aim 3 is to conduct a randomized feasibility pilot of CHW-delivered CETA in Spanish with Latine parents to examine intervention acceptability and feasibility; feasibility of recruitment, randomization, and measurement procedures; and treatment engagement. Latine parents will be randomized to receive CETA immediately or after a 5 month delay. Administrative data (i.e., patient attendance, retention), patient-report data (i.e., validated mental health symptom measures pre-, during-, and post-treatment), and provider-report data (i.e., fidelity) will be used to evaluate feasibility. Dr. Gustafson’s long-term career goal is to evaluate, adapt, and implement CHW mental health models to reduce disparities in mental health treatment for Latine and other underserved populations in the U.S. To meet her career objectives and the aims of this research project, the applicant requires additional training in: 1) community-engaged clinical trials; 2) implementation science, with a focus on contextual fit optimization; and 3) ethics related to implementing CHW models to address disparities in care for marginalized communities. Supported by an interdisciplinary team of experts and an institutional environment invested in supporting innovative initiatives to improve the mental health of marginalized populations, this K08 will launch the PI into a successful career as an independent clinical scientist. This project will also provide necessary data for Dr. Gustafson’s future R01 submission of...