Mental health

Mental health is a critical global development challenge. About one in eight people worldwide live with a mental health condition. In low- and middle-income countries, between 76% and 85% of people with severe mental conditions receive no treatment.

This crisis — resulting from and compounded by conflicts, natural disasters, and climate change — disrupts social cohesion, undermines health outcomes and weakens economic stability. The global cost of mental health conditions, due to poor health and reduced productivity, is projected to reach $6 trillion per year by 2030.

To improve well-being and promote resilience so more people can lead full and healthy lives, FHI 360 integrates mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions into our projects and programs across various sectors all over the world.

Our programming emphasizes support for groups who may not otherwise have access to safe, trauma-informed mental health services. These groups include young people, women, LGBTQI+ individuals, vulnerable populations, veterans, older adults, and people living in conflict-affected areas.

We implement strategies that are developed and adapted by local communities. Using an integrated, multidisciplinary approach leads to better outcomes across all dimensions of people’s well-being.

35+ countries

In which FHI 360’s Online Reservation and Case Management app is available to make appointments for mental health services

8x

Increase in the number of people who sought post-GBV (gender-based violence) services in Liberia after mental health counseling became available

16,400+

Counseling sessions held for people living in previously occupied areas of Ukraine

Our mental health expertise

Across various sectors, our projects work to strengthen local capacity to provide mental health and psychosocial support so that communities have the tools they need to address mental health concerns and bolster resilience.

A teacher in a blue t-shirt stands in front of a group of seated kids while instructing them. The alphabet appears on the wall behind them.

Mental health in education settings

In primary and secondary schools, FHI 360 supports the whole child by creating safe, inclusive and positive school environments so students can feel confident, increase their resilience to stress and achieve their goals. At the university level, we teach soft skills and conduct workshops on wellness and mental health topics. We also support educators’ mental health.

A young person smiles while showing another person a bottle of medication during an HIV prevention counseling session.

Mental health integrated into health care

To help health professionals recognize and respond to mental health needs, FHI 360 creates and conducts a range of interventions. To support vulnerable populations and other individuals with a high likelihood of exposure to HIV, we integrate mental health care — including via telehealth — into HIV service delivery. For health providers, in addition to building their knowledge of mental health, we offer mental health services to help reduce burnout.

Mental health when responding to gender-based violence

FHI 360 provides psychosocial first aid to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and links survivors to mental health services for those who want additional support. In addition, to promote the mental and physical well-being of staff and partners implementing GBV programming, we champion approaches related to self- and collective care.

A woman wearing a white headscarf knits using bright yellow thread.

Mental health in humanitarian response settings

To ensure people’s safety and dignity during emergencies like natural disasters and conflicts, FHI 360 integrates mental health and psychosocial support services within humanitarian programming, including services for protection, GBV and health. We also support integrated clinical mental health services in primary health care facilities. Our teams provide culturally sensitive, community-led solutions for vulnerable groups in underserved areas.

A group of women sit in a circle practicing breathing techniques.

Mental health in workforce and civil society settings

FHI 360 helps private sector businesses improve their resilience to crises such as pandemics, in part by offering new workforce well-being programs or improving existing programs. Additionally, we support civil society organizations in countering burnout and improving the mental well-being of their program participants.

Our work in Ukraine
Addressing people’s immediate mental health needs
In Ukraine, FHI 360 mobilizes medical teams to deliver mental health and psychosocial support, including specialized care for older people, people with disabilities, and frontline workers. Social workers organize case management and counseling, and health workers provide additional clinical care.
Read the story
Our work in Ukraine
Addressing people’s long-term mental health needs
To extend our support in Ukraine beyond the immediate response, FHI 360 leveraged our existing ties with schools, universities and the private sector to train over 450 Ukrainian students and educators on providing psychological first aid, emotional support, and referrals. We also compiled a database of free, nationwide mental health care resources.
Our work in health
Integrating mental health services into public health systems
To ensure that patients receive high-quality care, FHI 360 created a model for mental health and psychosocial support to support countries in the design, implementation and integration of mental health programs in public health systems. The model is being used in more than 12 countries under the Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project.
Access the technical package