Global Mental Health and Psychotherapy

Book excerpt: Global Mental Health and Psychotherapy: Adapting Psychotherapy for Low- and Middle-Income Countries takes a detailed look at how psychotherapies can be adapted and implemented in low- and middle-income countries, while also illuminating the challenges and how to overcome them. The book addresses the conceptual framework underlying global mental health and psychotherapy, focusing on the importance of task-shifting, a common-elements approach, rigorous supervision, and the scaling up of psychotherapies. Specific psychotherapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and collaborative care are given in-depth coverage, as is working with special populations, such as children and adolescents, pregnant women, refugees, and the elderly. In addition, treatment strategies for common disorders, such as depression, anxiety and stress, and substance abuse are covered, as are strategies for more severe mental disorders, such as schizophrenia.