Service Provider Perspectives on the Feasibility and Acceptability of Implementing a Systems Navigator Role in the BEAM Program, an App-Based Mental Health Program for Families of Young Children

Systems navigators, which connect families to health and social services that address chronic stressors, have potential to support unmet family needs in the context of mental health programs. With aims of embedding a systems navigator role within an app-based parenting and mental health program for parents with young children called Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health (BEAM; thebeamprogram.com), we facilitated focus groups with mental health and family service providers to discuss its feasibility and acceptability. Four themes were constructed: (1) Barriers to Service Access and Provision; (2) Facilitators to Service Access and Provision; (3) Fit of a Systems Navigator; and (4) Identified Support Needs. The discussions highlighted the value of a systems navigator who connects families to services for mental health and other chronic stressors. Providers emphasized that navigators should undergo adequate training and foster positive relationships with diverse community agencies to be able to effectively connect families to services. A systems navigator who offers online and in-person services depending on the family’s needs was also preferred to mitigate barriers to accessing support. This research informed the implementation of a systems navigator in conjunction with the BEAM program to address the needs of families.