Improving mental health in crisis-affected countries with a brief psychological intervention

Mental health problems are commonly experienced by people living in crisis-affected countries, but few interventions are available to support such people and, for those that are, effectiveness data is limited. This study sought to understand if an evidence-based psychological intervention called Problem Management Plus (PM+) could be an effective and cost-effective solution to support people in need of psychological support in times of crisis.

The study found PM+ to improve mental health outcomes for people living in Pakistan and demonstrated likely cost-effectiveness. Informed by this evidence, PM+ has been published by the WHO and is cited in the 2018 Sphere Handbook. There is evidence that it is widely used by international nongovernmental organisation programmes around the world.

R2HC captures detailed case studies through a process that triangulates and validates evidence on uptake and impact. The case study methodology and full version of this summary case study including references are available on request. Outputs and resources from the study are available on the project page.