Mental Health

Peer-Delivered Recovery Support Services for Addictions in the United States: A Systematic Review

J Subst Abuse Treat. 2016 Apr;63:1-9. [Pubmed Abstract]

Peer-Delivered Recovery Support Services for Addictions in the United States: A Systematic Review
Bassuk EL, Hanson J, Greene RN, Richard M, Laudet A

Abstract
This systematic review identifies, appraises, and summarizes the evidence on the effectiveness of peer-delivered recovery support services for people in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Nine studies met criteria for inclusion in the review. They were assessed for quality and outcomes including substance use and recovery-related factors. Despite significant methodological limitations found in the included studies, the body of evidence suggests salutary effects on participants. Current limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed.

CHWs: Potential allies for the field of psychiatric rehabilitation?

Psychiatr Rehabil J. 2015 Sep;38(3):207-9. [Pubmed Abstract]

Community health workers: Potential allies for the field of psychiatric rehabilitation?
Cook JA, Mueser KT

Abstract
The focus of community health workers on health disparities in vulnerable communities means that they address issues of poverty, while many recipients of psychiatric rehabilitation services live at or below the poverty line. Their focus on improving health in low-income populations of color is in line with some of our field’s biggest challenges at this point in history, including poverty, cultural competence, and health comorbidities. By allying with community health workers we have the opportunity to extend our reach into new neighborhoods as well as to better serve our current clientele. By reaching out to local community health worker programs, conducting cross-training, and exploring new funding opportunities presented by health care reform, we may be able to enrich the multidisciplinary,…

Nuevo Amanecer: RCT of a Community-Based, Peer-Delivered Stress Management Intervention for Latinas with Breast Cancer

Am J Public Health. 2015 Jul;105 Suppl 3:e55-63. [Pubmed Abstract]

Nuevo amanecer: results of a randomized controlled trial of a community-based, peer-delivered stress management intervention to improve quality of life in Latinas with breast cancer
Nápoles AM, Ortíz C, Santoyo-Olsson J, Stewart AL, Gregorich S, Lee HE, Durón Y, McGuire P, Luce J

Objectives
We evaluated a community-based, translational stress management program to improve health-related quality of life in Spanish-speaking Latinas with breast cancer.

Methods
We adapted a cognitive-behavioral stress management program integrating evidence-based and community best practices to address the needs of Latinas with breast cancer. Spanish-speaking Latinas with breast cancer were randomly assigned to an intervention or usual-care control group. Trained peers delivered the 8-week intervention between February 2011 and February 2014. Primary outcomes were breast cancer-specific quality of life and distress, and…