MHPSS PM+

The Problem Management Plus (PM+) Training is an evidence-based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programme developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to equip healthcare providers, counsellors, community workers, and humanitarian responders with practical skills to support adults experiencing psychological distress due to adversity, crisis, conflict, displacement, or other life challenges. PM+ is a brief, structured psychological intervention consisting of five sessions that can be delivered by trained non-specialist providers under appropriate supervision. The training focuses on developing competencies in: Understanding common mental health conditions, including stress, anxiety, depression, and grief. Building effective helping and communication skills. Managing stress using simple relaxation techniques. Structured problem-solving approaches. Behavioural activation to improve daily functioning. Strengthening social support networks. Identifying individuals requiring referral for specialized mental health care. Ensuring ethical practice, confidentiality, safeguarding, and helper self-care. The programme combines interactive lectures, demonstrations, role plays, case studies, competency assessments, and supervised practical sessions to ensure participants can confidently implement PM+ within primary healthcare, community-based programmes, humanitarian settings, and emergency response operations. WHO guidance recommends substantial classroom training followed by supervised field practice before independent delivery. Upon completion, participants will be able to provide structured, low-intensity psychological support that reduces emotional distress, improves coping skills, enhances resilience, and strengthens psychosocial well-being among individuals affected by adversity while appropriately referring severe or complex cases to specialized mental health services. PM+ has been successfully implemented in numerous humanitarian and low-resource settings, including Pakistan, where studies have demonstrated improvements in depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and daily functioning.