“Sometimes, teenagers are experiencing a lot of stress and they deal with it alone, not wanting to worry their families.” With that reflection, Dr. Allison Starfford, associate professor at Duke University School of Nursing, summarizes a reality that motivated the creation of ADAPTA, a free program that seeks to help Latino teenagers access professional mental health care and support their families during that process.
The initiative, which is currently recruiting participants, is aimed at Latino youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress—conditions that have increased among teenagers in recent years and often remain hidden at home.
But the program's objective is not to offer EMDR directly. Its purpose is to help families overcome the obstacles that prevent them from accessing it.
“You are not alone”
For many Hispanic families, find a therapist It can become a path full of difficulties, such as long waiting lists, a lack of Spanish-speaking professionals, high costs, or simply the fear of talking about mental health.
“We hear many stories from families who try time and time again to find a therapist who truly meets their needs. We want to walk alongside them and help them navigate that process,” Stafford explained to Enlace Latino NC .
This support is provided by a bilingual and bicultural community health worker, who maintains weekly contact with the family to identify the barriers they face and help them find solutions.
Depending on the case, support may include guidance on locating Spanish-speaking therapists, information on low-cost resources, or strategies to improve communication between parents and children on emotional issues.
Related: Free mental health support via cell phone for teens in North Carolina
A program designed for the Latino community
Although ADAPTA is open to diverse communities, its researchers decided to develop a strategy specifically focused on Latino families.
“Our research staff speaks English and Spanish. Our community worker is also bilingual and bicultural, and all materials are available in both languages,” Stafford noted.
All from home
Another advantage of the program is that it requires no travel or in-person visits. Calls can be made by phone or video conference, allowing families to participate from the comfort of their own homes.
“Everything is done by phone. We don’t need to meet with anyone in person,” the educator commented.
This approach also facilitates the participation of families who live far from specialized centers or who have complicated schedules.
They recognize the time families need.
ADAPTA is part of a Duke University research study, so participants receive financial compensation for the time they dedicate to the program.
Before starting, families complete some surveys to better understand their situation and the barriers they face. They then receive support for 12 weeks, with weekly calls and a follow-up interview at the end.
How to register
To enroll in the ADAPTA program, you can call Dr. Allison Stafford at: 919-681-0667 or email her at: allison.stafford@duke.edu
You can visit the ADAPT Assistance with Depression and PsychoTherapy for Adolescents site
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