Community Health Workers Deliver Mental Health Intervention to Uninsured Latinx in Baltimore: Evaluation and Lessons Learned in a Pilot Program

Background: Implementation of evidence-based interventions to reduce depression among uninsured Latinx patients who are at high risk of depression are rare. Objectives: Our goal was to evaluate Strong Minds, a language and culturally tailored, evidence-based intervention adapted from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for mild-moderate depression and anxiety, delivered by community health workers (CHWs) in Spanish to uninsured Latinx immigrants. Methods: As part of the pilot, 35 participants, recruited from a free community primary care clinic, completed Strong Minds. Assessments and poststudy interviews were con-ducted. Paired t-tests were used to assess change of depressive symptoms at 3 and 6 months. Lessons Learned: CHW delivery of depression care to this population was feasible and among those who completed the program, preliminary evidence of depression outcomes sug-gests potential benefit. CHWs had specific training and support needs related to mental health care delivery. Conclusions: Further implementation studies of depression care interventions using CHWs for underserved Latinx is needed.