Home Suicide Prevention Resource Center SPRC

Problem Management Plus (PM+)

ArcaMind - Global Institute for Mental Health Solutions

Website: http://www.arcamind.com/

Program Type

Education or Training Program

Cost

$1,001 to $2,500

Evidence Type

Empirically-Defined Evidence

SPRC Comprehensive Approach

Increase Help-Seeking, Care Transition/Linkages, Life Skills and Resilience, Connectedness

approved What is this?
Program or Intervention Summary

Problem Management Plus (PM+) is a mental health intervention developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to support individuals experiencing low to moderate psychological distress. It is designed to help people manage common mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, through a structured, evidence-based approach. It is a manualized five session Intervention, delivered by lay workers, that guides “clients” through strategies to manage their emotions and problems more effectively. PM+ incorporates several strategies, including problem-solving, relaxation techniques, and cognitive behavioral approaches to help individuals cope with stress and improve their mental well-being.

The PSYCHLOPS is used by clients to self-assess during every session, including an assessment of suicidal intent. Lay workers are trained specifically on how to refer if the need arises. Ongoing weekly Supervision is done by a licensed mental health professional.

PM+ has been implemented in various countries, with strong data showing its effectiveness in decreasing depression and anxiety. ArcaMind has adapted PM+ for the U.S. context, demonstrating similar outcomes. In addition, lay-workers trained report using the skills in their own lives, both personally and professionally. If offered at a large enough scale, we anticipate reduction in wait times for mental health care and expanded access.

The community-based model makes it accessible in areas with more limited care and by design, is culturally responsive to individual populations. ArcaMind has adapted the training to a number of different audiences, including refugees, BIPOC, and Native American communities. PM+ emphasizes the importance of community support and can be integrated as a stepped care model.

Type Education or Training Program
Setting In-person, Online, Home, Community, Workplace, Social Services or Public Health
Audience Religious or Faith-Based Groups, Women, Men, LGBTQ+, Service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF), People Who Live in Urban Areas, People Who Live in Rural Areas, People Who Live in Suburban Areas, People who live in Tribal communities, People Who Live in US Territories, Low Income, Unemployed or Underemployed, Employed Full-time or Part-time, Retired, Experiencing Food Insecurities, First Responders (Fire/Law/EMS), Medical Professionals, Mental Health Professionals, Physical Health Problems/Disabilities, People with suicide-centered lived experience, People in Particular Occupations, People who have experienced trauma, including ACES, Parents, People with justice system involvement
Languages English, Spanish, Chinese, French
Study Method Quantitative Design, Mixed Methods Design
Study Type Descriptive (cross-sectional), Quasi-experimental, Sequential explanatory design
Implementer Requirement Adults, Community Laypeople, Mental health treatment providers
Training Requirement Yes
Delivery Options In-Person, Virtual live
Risk and Protective Factors Job/financial problems or loss, Sense of hopelessness, Loss of relationships, Social isolation, Stress of acculturation, Discrimination, Stigma associated with help-seeking and mental illness, Effective coping and problem-solving skills, Reasons for living (for example, family, friends, pets, etc.), Strong sense of cultural identity, Support from partners, friends, and family, Feeling connected to others, Feeling connected to school, community, and other social institutions

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