On October 17, 2024, the Policy & Learning Workgroup convened three experts to discuss the critical role of mental health in global development and highlight World Mental Health Day on October 10. The event brought together specialists to explore how mental health integration, technological innovation, and community-based approaches can transform global mental health care delivery and access. Check out the recording below or on the SID-US YouTube channel here.
The discussion opened with Jerome Galea, USAID’s newly appointed Agency Mental Health Coordinator, who shared expertise in global mental health implementation science as a licensed social worker. Drawing from the World Health Organization's definition and the landmark 2007 Lancet journal series, he provided a foundational overview of global mental health's public health framing.
Global Mental Health encompasses an evolving field of research and practice aimed at:
- Alleviating mental suffering through prevention, care, and treatment
- Addressing mental health and substance use disorders
- Promoting and sustaining mental health of individuals and communities worldwide
- Reducing the significant gap in quality mental health care between developed and developing nations
Galea highlighted four key areas of focus in global mental health implementation:
- Integration across care platforms, particularly in community-based settings
- Mental health incorporation into primary health care
- Training of physicians and community health workers
- Development of low-intensity psychological interventions
A significant update came through the presentation of USAID's Mental Health Position Paper, which outlined a tripartite approach with the goal of addressing key barriers, strengthening partnerships, and fighting stigma by focusing on promoting sustainable environments, applying contextually appropriate approaches, and "Doing no harm."
The discussion then shifted to innovative solutions with Ting Shih, CEO and Founder, ClickMedix, who spoke about leveraging technology for mental health access. Shih presented how telehealth and AI applications are being systematized to help patients understand their conditions and connect with appropriate providers and health services. This technological integration demonstrates promising potential for scaling mental health support, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Courtney Bickert, Senior Executive Recruiter, DRiWaterstone Human Capital, provided a unique and vital perspective on the therapeutic power of humor in mental health treatment, particularly in conflict zones. She explained that laughter is the only human emotion that engages every part of the brain, making it a powerful tool for supporting emotional, cognitive, psychological, and social well-being. Bickert emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces where field teams can unwind and share moments of levity, noting how crucial this space is for maintaining mental health in challenging environments. Her insights highlighted how incorporating appropriate humor into both office settings and therapeutic approaches can contribute to overall mental wellness and resilience.
Key implementation insights that emerged from the discussion included:
- Integration of mental health services into existing care platforms shows high returns on investment
- For every $1 invested in mental health, communities can expect a $23.6 return through improved education outcomes, workforce participation, and economic security
- Community health workers can effectively deliver basic mental health interventions with proper training
- Technology-enabled solutions can help bridge significant access gaps
- Validated instruments for measuring stigma reduction are essential for program evaluation
The success of HIV and TB integration programs serves as a proof of concept, demonstrating that structural barriers in existing care platforms with high mental health morbidity can be effectively addressed through systematic integration approaches.
Special Thanks
Thank you to all participants who contributed to this vital discussion on advancing global mental health care. Special appreciation goes to our speakers, Jerome Galea, Ting Shih, and Courtney Bickert, for sharing their expertise and innovative approaches to mental health care delivery, and our moderator and SID-US Board Member, Bobby Jefferson, Vice President, DAI.
For those interested in learning more about global mental health initiatives or getting involved, we recommend exploring WHO's comprehensive resources and USAID's Mental Health Position Paper. To stay engaged with the Policy & Learning Workgroup's future events, join the mailing list and connect with us on LinkedIn. Learn more about SID-US upcoming events here.
Learn More
Forging A Path Forward for Global Mental Health
How’s Life? 2024: Well-being and Resilience in Times of Crisis
Meeting the Mental Health Needs Of LGBTQI+ Communities Globally