(PS3-97) Mclean Hospital's MENTOR Program: Overview and Outcomes

Abstract Text: There is a large disparity between overrepresented and underrepresented (URG), African American, Hispanic/ Latinx, Asian, etc. in the mental health field and academic psychiatry/ clinical psychology. Diversifying psychology is a crucial step to improve research and practice with the perspectives and input from URGs. Mentorship in one method to address barriers faced by URGs and had been shown to have a positive effect. We developed the Mentor, Empower, and Network, to Optimize Representation (MENTOR) program to provide important connections between underrepresented undergraduates from local university partners (Bridgewater State University and Framingham State University) and professionals in mental health services and research careers. The semester long (4- month) program consisted of monthly mentorship meetings and career development panel discussions. We will present quantitative and qualitative data from our first two cohorts of mentee-mentor dyads (N=36). Results show that on average mentees met with their mentor at least 3 times during the semester and all students found the quality of the program to be mostly or very satisfactory. Additionally, 90 percent of students showed interest in maintaining a relationship with their mentor and over 96 percent of mentors continued as mentors in the program. Students found that the resources and support provided helped set expectations and guide mentorship meetings. These preliminary findings suggest that MENTOR is a feasible and acceptable program for both mentees and mentors. MENTOR may help address the critical need for mentorship for underrepresented undergraduates interested in the mental health career.