Dissertation
A mixed methods study of innovative approaches to address the accessibility and availability of trauma-related mental health services
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
May 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011416
Abstract
Trauma and violence are significant public health issues, affecting millions of people in the United States. Gun violence is the leading cause of injury and death among youth, resulting in health needs that extend beyond treating the physical injury. Namely, many survivors experience adverse mental health outcomes -- such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression -- that have a lasting impact on themselves, their families, and their communities. Addressing mental health is one of the top needs reported by victims of violence. Yet most people who experience violence and other traumatic events do not receive treatment to address the psychological sequelae of these events. In large part, this is the result of structural and systemic barriers that limit the availability and accessibility of mental healthcare, particularly among groups that have been historically under resourced. The purpose of this dissertation was to explore innovative methods aimed at reducing disparities in the accessibility and availability of mental health services. The first two projects in this dissertation focused on one approach -- hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs), which are programs that connect victims of violence with mental health and case management services when they arrive at an emergency department or trauma center with violent injuries. The third project centered around addressing the current mental health provider shortage that contributes to a lack of providers who can deliver mental health services. Secondary traumatic stress (STS) is a trauma response that professionals in helping careers may experience when hearing about someone else's trauma. STS has been tied to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and other factors that drive high rates of therapist turnover and professionals leaving the mental health field. This contributes to and exacerbates the existing provider shortage. The Stress-Less Initiative© (SLI) was piloted as a method to proactively address STS in mental health professionals. A mixed methods approach was used for this dissertation that included three studies: 1) a scoping review on HVIPs and mental health outcomes; 2) am evaluation of one HVIP and PTSD and depression outcomes among violently injured youth; and 3) a qualitative study on the perceive impacts of SLI among mental health professionals. The implications of the findings from all three studies are discussed, particularly within the context of the current sociopolitical climate.
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Details
- Title
- A mixed methods study of innovative approaches to address the accessibility and availability of trauma-related mental health services
- Creators
- Katherine Ardeleanu
- Contributors
- Lindsay Shea (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University
- Number of pages
- xi, 141 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Dana and David Dornsife School of Public Health; Health Management and Policy; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022189597004721