Mental Health Training

Training for informal and formal service providers reaches into all areas of a community.

The Challenge

Many people, especially in the developing world, lack access to mental health care. People suffering from mental illness have been ridiculed, rejected, disregarded, and chained, beaten, or abused in other ways. Some are considered to be demon-possessed. Stigma, fear, and lack of mental health services keep traumatized people from getting the help they need.

Even common experiences of grief, stress, anxiety, and depression are often misunderstood. In 2009, Dr. Shekhar Saxena of the The World Health Organization stated: “…by 2030 depression will be the single biggest cause of burden, both economically and socially.”

A place of worship or school may be the only place someone may go for counsel and guidance. These leaders want to help but often do not know what to do or where to refer.

How we Help

The Tributaries Mental Health Program trains informal community service providers (teachers, religious leaders, social workers, orphanage workers, lay counselors, police, military, and others). Basic care can become more accessible to a wide number of people. With increased understanding, rejection and abuse can be decreased.

The Tributaries International Mental Health Program focuses primarily on the bottom levels of the World Health Organization’s Optimal Mix of Mental Health Services (self-care, informal providers, and mental health services through primary health care). In this way, a large number of people can receive care within their own communities.

$50 provides 5 days of training for a caregiver!

*Tributaries International partners with Mercy Ships in Africa.