APA SAMHSA MFP Spring Leadership Summit-3

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Cheryl Kataoka, a child psychiatrist and health services researcher at UCLA, has dedicated over two decades to improving mental health care access and quality in under-resourced school communities, particularly among ethnic minority youth. Her work employs community-partnered participatory research, integrating evidence-based interventions with local insights to develop culturally informed, feasible, and effective school mental health services. Growing up in a Japanese American family with a history of internment, Dr. Kataoka’s personal background informs her commitment to addressing trauma and social determinants of mental health.<br /><br />Her landmark project involved collaborating with LA Unified School District to address high rates of violence exposure and trauma among students. This led to the development and randomized control trial of a brief, school-based cognitive-behavioral intervention, delivered by psychiatric social workers, that reduced PTSD and depression symptoms and improved academic outcomes. The program's success facilitated broader dissemination, including adaptations for classroom-wide curricula and peer health leader initiatives, supported by community collaboration.<br /><br />Dr. Kataoka emphasizes the importance of authentic community partnerships with shared power, flexibility, and responsiveness to community needs. Despite regulatory and systemic challenges, including IRB hurdles and political headwinds threatening DEI efforts, she advocates persistence and adaptability in advancing mental health equity. Her work underscores the crucial role of supportive environments and systemic change to foster resilience and wellness in youth.

Keywords

child psychiatry

mental health care

community-partnered participatory research

school mental health services

cognitive-behavioral intervention

PTSD and depression

ethnic minority youth

trauma-informed care

mental health equity