Date of Award
Spring 2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Psychology
Committee Chairperson
Ellie D. Brown, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Lauri Hyers, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Jasmin Tahmaseb-McConatha Ph.D.
Abstract
Objectives
This study used a qualitative approach to explore program recipients' views on mental health needs and behavioral health services within the Philadelphia Healthy Start Program, managed by the non-profit Intercultural Family Services, Inc. It assessed the effectiveness of these services, identified areas for improvement, examined mental health challenges specific to caregiver clients, and evaluated the program's overall impact on these clients.
Methods
Participants were 13 Healthy Start clients who completed semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted virtually by a trained researcher. The interviews were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis to identify and report themes.
Results
Analyses of the caregiver interviews revealed several themes. Participants felt that the Healthy Start program offered support for pregnant and postpartum individuals through its comprehensive and flexible services, and specifically through its accessible mental health care. Recipients reported that the program's holistic approach and responsive and compassionate team effectively met various needs. In terms of areas for improvement, program recipients suggested enhancements to outreach efforts, demographic alignment of providers, more connection opportunities for recipients, increased inclusivity for men and partners, and concern about stigma.
Conclusions
The program recipients felt that Philadelphia’s Healthy Start Program was effective in meeting their needs and supportive to the wellbeing of recipients and their children. Future research can build on the participants’ insights from this study to enhance program effectiveness and address emerging participant needs.
Recommended Citation
Murphy, Mary, "A Qualitative Understanding of Philadelphia’s Healthy Start Behavioral Health Initiative: A Program Evaluation from the Voices of Program Recipients" (2025). West Chester University Doctoral Projects. 307.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_doctoral/307