Overview

The purpose of this study is to test whether the peer support program is acceptable, possible, and can improve mental health among individuals accessing hormone care. Eligible participants will be enrolled and randomized to the support program or enhanced usual care arm. Participants will take part in this study for 6 months.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with hormone condition aged 18 years or older and English speaking
• Initiating or receiving hormone care in Michigan
• Report mild depression or anxiety symptoms, as determined by:
  1. A Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) score ≥ 5 AND/OR
  2. A Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) score ≥ 5.
• Interest or willingness to participate in peer support group meetings either in-person or virtually

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to provide informed consent for any reason
• Not fluent in English
• Determination by patient's attending healthcare provider that peer mentorship is not appropriate due to unstable psychosis, cognitive disorder, or severe personality disorder, or other issue
• At imminent risk of suicide, as determined by active suicide ideation with intent and/or a specific plan (endorsed Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale number 4 or number 5 in the past month, number 6 in the past 3 months, or spontaneous report)
• Already receiving or intending to receive formalized individual peer specialist services through another community mental health program or organization
• Residing outside of the state of Michigan, or planning to move out of the state of Michigan in the next 6 months