Background: The Family-to-Family (F2F) program, developed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), provides education and support for caregivers of individuals with severe mental health conditions. As a part of the California Reducing Disparities Project, the F2F program was adapted for Korean immigrants in the US, providing culturally and linguistically sensitive education facilitated by Korean-speaking staff with lived experience. Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected in Korean via surveys and focus groups. Surveys were self-administered one week before the first session and after the final session, assessing sociodemographic characteristics, psychological distress, and service utilization. Focus group conducted during the final session provided insights into participants’ experiences and perceptions of program impact. Results: Pre-post changes in psychological distress were analyzed using a Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test (n=76). The result indicated a statistically significant reduction in psychological distress (Mdn = 6.00 post vs. Mdn = 7.00 pre; z=-2.36, p=.018). Participants reported improvements in coping with daily challenges and modest decreases in feelings of marginalization and isolation. Qualitative data highlighted the value of culturally relevant content, peer support, shared lived experiences, and professional guidance in enhancing participants’ skills and sense of community.Conclusion: Utilizing a culturally responsive framework and strategies, the F2F program contributed to reducing mental health disparities within Korean communities by enhancing access to care, reducing barriers to service utilization, and helping diminish mental health stigma. Through shared experiences and professional guidance, participants have gained the tools needed to foster healthier relationships and a more supportive home environment.

Authors:
Karen Lee, California State University, Fullerton, United States
Mikyong Kim-Goh, California State University, Fullerton, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Karen Kyeunghae Lee is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at California State University, Fullerton, USA. Her research focuses on improving mental health care and reducing disparities in Asian communities.

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