StrongMinds FAQs
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a need for mental health care in Africa?
Since 2013, StrongMinds has worked to close the mental health treatment gap in Africa. Most African governments spend less than 1% of their health budget on mental health. In sub-Saharan Africa, there are approximately 1.4 qualified mental healthcare providers for every 100,000 people (compared to Europe, where there are 45.5 per 100,000).
What does StrongMinds do?
StrongMinds treats depression using Group Interpersonal Therapy (IPT-G), an evidence-based model that is highly scalable. We also provide psychoeducational and engage in advocacy to reduce stigma and unlock funding and resources to support mental health in underserved settings.
How does reducing depression symptoms benefit people in Africa?
Untreated depression can have a negative impact on all domains of life, including economic, health, and educational outcomes. Conversely, our evidence shows that when people recover from depression, they are able to work more and their children eat and go to school more regularly. They also report now having someone to turn to for emotional support.
What are the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety?
Read about the signs and symptoms here.
In which countries does StrongMinds operate?
We currently work in Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, and the United States with plans to expand to other countries over the next ten years.
What does depression-free mean?
StrongMinds’ goal is to have patients score under a 5 on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), which has nine questions. The PHQ-9 is a multipurpose instrument used for screening, diagnosing, monitoring and measuring the severity of depression. Scoring 1-4 is evaluated as Minimal Depression, and in lay terms this means that the individual is not able to be diagnosed with any significant level of depression, and is thus, depression-free.
Does StrongMinds work on individual cases?
No, StrongMinds, is focused on group talk therapy to treat depression.
If an individual is not progressing with group therapy, StrongMinds will refer the participant to a facility that is capable of addressing their personal needs. StrongMinds will continue to be in contact to ensure proper care.
Is my donation tax deductible and secure?
Yes! StrongMinds is a tax-exempt not-profit organization under IRS code 501(c)3. EIN: 46-2090059
Donations made to StrongMinds use Stripe™ to securely process credit card donations online without sharing any of your financial information.
StrongMinds does not share, sell, trade, or disclose your information with anyone.
