The SolanoConnex Trial: Evaluation of a Mental Health Access Project

Touro University, California

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Mental Health

Treatments: Behavioral: Access to the SolanoConnex.org

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07306013

MHAS2025

Details and patient eligibility

About

The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the SolanoConnex.org program on help-seeking attitudes and help-seeking behaviors among users compared to a control group. This study will employ a randomized controlled trial design with two parallel arms. Participants in the intervention group will receive full access and orientation to SolanoConnex.org, including multiple features designed to enhance engagement with local mental health resources. Participants in the control group will receive publicly available mental health resources. The primary outcome is any use of mental health services including conversations and communication, digital engagement and media consumption, direct service use or self-help and alternative support all of which will be self-reported through digital diaries prompted every two weeks. Secondary outcomes are endorsed and anticipated Stigma related to mental health, help-seeking attitudes, self-efficacy in seeking mental health care. Potential covariates include demographics, past mental health service use and satisfaction, readiness to change, and discrimination experiences during past healthcare use.

Enrollment: 200 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 or older
• Resident of Solano County, CA.
• Mild to moderate mental health symptoms as reported on the DSM-5 Level 1 Measure for Adult Mental Health screening form.
• Own a personal smartphone with internet access or a data plan to facilitate engagement with the digital platform.
• Be fluent in English, as all study components will be conducted in English.
• Have not previously used SolanoConnex.org.

Exclusion criteria

• Are currently engaged in or have had comprehensive case management or counseling services within the past 6 months.
• Do not reside in Solano County.
• Lack fluency in English, as study materials and communications will be conducted in English.
• Have previously accessed SolanoConnex.org, as prior exposure may influence study outcomes.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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200 participants in 2 patient groups

Mental Health Navigator and App Intervention Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in the intervention group will be blinded to their study arm status. They will receive full access and orientation to SolanoConnex.org, including multiple features designed to enhance engagement with local mental health resources. First, they will be granted access to the SolanoConnex.org website and mobile application, educational materials, social media and resource navigation. To facilitate ease of use, participants will receive a step-by-step guide and a tutorial video demonstrating how to navigate the platform's features. Additionally, they will gain access to SolanoConnex-produced videos and podcasts which profiles mental health providers and covers various mental health topics.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Access to the SolanoConnex.org

Standard County Mental Health Information Control

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants in the control group will also be blinded to their study arm status. They will receive generic materials consisting of access to publicly available mental health resources without exposure to SolanoConnex.org or its patient navigator services. They will be provided with general information on national mental health hotlines, local mental health services, and online directories of available resources but will not receive specific training or guidance in using these resources.