Dr. Patricia Arean is is the Director of the Division of Services and Intervention Research at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), as well as a clinical researcher and former professor at the University of Washington’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Arean has focused her career on increasing access to mental health services for underserved communities. She has led multiple research initiatives, including the UW Alacrity Center, which aims to redesign psychosocial interventions for underserved populations, and the Creative Lab, which explores digital mental health solutions using mobile technology. 

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Arean shares how her early experiences in public hospitals and community mental health centers shaped her passion for working with underserved communities. She discusses her journey of developing partnerships with community organizations and navigating the challenges of research in marginalized populations. Dr. Arean also delves into her groundbreaking work in integrating technology with mental health services and how she has managed to conduct large-scale studies in underserved communities using innovative digital tools. This episode provides valuable lessons for researchers interested in social justice, technology, and community-based research. 

In this episode, you’ll learn… 

• How Dr. Arean’s early work experiences influenced her commitment to underserved communities 

• The steps she took to build trust and partnerships with community organizations 

• Why understanding the unique needs of marginalized populations is crucial for effective research 

• Strategies for navigating the challenges of recruitment and participation in underserved communities 

• The role of technology in expanding access to mental health services for populations with limited resources 

• How Dr. Arean approaches collaborations with technology companies to create evidence-based mental health solutions 

Tips from the episode: 

On Building Partnerships with Underserved Communities: 

• Approach community organizations with a genuine desire to understand their needs and challenges. 

• Be prepared to adapt your research goals based on the community's priorities. 

• Establish relationships with key gatekeepers or champions within the community to facilitate trust and access. 

On Developing Effective Research Practices: 

• Accept that working with underserved populations may involve messy samples and unexpected challenges. 

• Engage with clinicians, staff, and community members to ensure your research is relevant and respectful. 

• Incorporate community input when designing research protocols and collecting data. 

On Leveraging Technology in Mental Health Research: 

• Digital tools can significantly improve recruitment and engagement in underserved communities. 

• Flexibility is key when working with technology partners, as their products and services may evolve. 

• Maintain a focus on developing solutions that work for marginalized populations, even if it means overcoming technological barriers like limited broadband access. 

Links from this Episode: 

• Article on Dr. Patricia Arean’s Position at the National Institute of Mental Health 

• UW Alacrity Center 

• The Creativ Lab Homepage