Promotoras in mental health: a review of English, Spanish, and Portuguese literature

Abstract

Promotoras have worked in various areas of public health; however, there is a lack of understanding about their work in mental health. This article reviews the literature in 3 different cultures/languages (English, Spanish, and Portuguese) and aims to describe promotoras' roles, training, and interventions and their outcomes related to mental health activities. Results demonstrate that in different cultures/languages, promotoras empower community members to promote mental health and prevent exacerbation of individuals' mental illness. Promotoras, when trained carefully, have the ability to increase awareness and to promote mental health in populations that would otherwise have limited or no access to care.