CHATogether Community-Based Program for Evaluating Asian American and Pacific Islanders' Mental Health Needs Post-COVID-19.

Abstract

Objective: Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, Compassionate Home, Action Together (CHATogether) is a community program that uses interactive theater to promote mental health among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Culturally informed mental health programs remain insufficient to meet the needs of AAPIs. This study aimed to evaluate ongoing AAPI mental health needs after COVID-19, as described by community leaders who work with AAPI families in community settings and as mental health professionals; assess how CHATogether can meet the needs of community partners through theater webinars; and explore the adaptability of CHATogether for AAPI subpopulations.

Methods: Mixed methods included thematic analysis, with an inductive approach, of 12 qualitative interviews with community leaders as well as a quantitative survey (16 webinars across 16 states) to evaluate participants' emotional responses before and after the program and to evaluate program satisfaction. A subgroup analysis also measured the adaptation of CHATogether to AAPI faith-based organizations.

Results: AAPI mental health needs were identified at the individual, family, and service delivery levels, and CHATogether was perceived to address these needs. Webinar participants had more positive sentiments about mental health conversations with their families after versus before participation in the program (p<0.001, N=179 survey respondents) and found CHATogether to be helpful and informative (Kolmogorov-Smirnov D≥0.6, p<0.001, N=89-149) and adaptable to the church setting (D=0.6, p<0.001, N=26).

Conclusions: Through community partnership, CHATogether fosters AAPI mental health conversations by using creative storytelling and theater skits. This model may inform future community-based psychiatric services.