ASPIRE Study

About: The ASPIRE study is focused on addressing psychosocial distress in medically underserved communities, particularly among Latina/o cancer patients and survivors who face significant barriers to accessing psychological care. Psychosocial distress, which includes mental health challenges, inadequate social support, and maladaptive coping strategies, can have a profound impact on health outcomes, contributing to conditions such as heart disease, pregnancy complications, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic health issues. The ASPIRE study aims to expand Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) services in primary care clinics and evaluate the effectiveness of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based Psychological Flexibility pathway in improving patient outcomes. By embedding same-day behavioral health consultations into routine primary care, the study seeks to reduce the gap in psychological care for underserved populations, particularly in the context of cancer care. 

Mission: The mission of the ASPIRE study is to improve access to behavioral health services for underserved cancer patients through Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) integration. Through a pragmatic clinical trial, the study aims to evaluate the impact of the PF pathway, guided by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy principles, on patient psychological and biological outcomes. Our goal is to enhance psychological flexibility, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve the overall health and well-being of cancer patients, particularly in Latino/a populations where access to psychological support is often limited. By embedding behavioral health services within primary care, we aim to break down barriers to mental health treatment, reduce stigma, and ultimately promote better health outcomes for these vulnerable populations. 

Impact: The ASPIRE study has the potential to significantly impact the delivery of behavioral health services in primary care, offering a scalable model for improving access to care for underserved cancer patients. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of the Psychological Flexibility pathway in reducing distress and improving psychological flexibility, which may have downstream effects on reducing depression, anxiety, and inflammatory biomarkers associated with psychological stress. Additionally, by embedding behavioral health services directly into primary care clinics, we expect to increase the identification of psychosocial concerns, reduce stigma surrounding mental health, and improve provider engagement with behavioral health integration. We anticipate that the results of this study will not only provide valuable insights into the benefits of PCBH services for cancer patients but also contribute to advancing health equity by enhancing behavioral health access for medically underserved populations.