Patient Navigation for Mothers with Depression who Have Children in Head Start: A Pilot Study

This study assesses the potential of social work–facilitated patient navigation to help mothers with depression engage with mental health care. We conducted a randomized pilot trial (N = 47) in Head Start—a U.S. preschool program for low-income children. Seven lay navigators received training and supervision from professional social workers. After 6 months, more navigated participants engaged with a psychologist, therapist, or social worker (45% vs. 13%, 95% confidence interval [CI] [2, 57]); engaged with any provider, (55% vs. 26%, 95% CI [1, 56]); and reported having a “depression care provider” (80% vs. 41%, 95% CI [9, 65]). Community-based navigation appears feasible; however, more definitive testing is necessary.