What is PM+?
The low-threshold intervention “Problem Management Plus” (PM+) was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce mental distress in limited resource settings. PM+ aims to lower participants’ stress levels and help them better manage everyday problems.
PM+ is based on a peer support concept, in which suitable persons with higher education, but without specific medical-therapeutic training, are trained as lay therapists (“Helpers”) and thus cover the informal first/second stage of the stepped-care model of health care in their communities: the stage of self-care and/or the stage of informal community care.
In this video, there is an overview of the Stepped-Care model and how PM+ processes can look like, using the current Ukraine crisis as an example.
The stepped care model recognizes that treatment for mental distress should be tailored to the severity of the condition and the resource situation, as well as the specific needs of the individual. The goal is to provide those affected with access to the most efficient forms of treatment for them as quickly as possible. Consequently, implementing low-threshold interventions such as PM+ can help to temporarily bridge gaps in care, complement existing structures and contribute to strengthening the stepped care model.
At the second level are low-resource, readily available interventions such as PM+, which are appropriate for mild or — accompanying treatment — moderate symptoms. When clinically necessary, affected individuals are referred to next-level specialized treatment services.
How does PM+ work?
PM+ provides five weekly counseling sessions of 90 minutes each, which are based on evidence-based psychotherapeutic methods. These include psychoeducation and stress management, problem-solving strategies, behavioral activation, strengthening social support, relapse prevention and outlook.
Who can participate in PM+?
Target group
Asylum seekers, refugees and other health care disadvantaged migrants with mild to moderate mental distress.
Exclusion criteria
Severe mental illness (e.g., acute psychosis or suicidality).
PM+ is not a substitute for professional medical-psychological treatment.
Why PM+?
- Evidence-based intervention that has already been shown to be effective in a variety of settings and countries
- Suitable for different settings (individual, groups, online)
- Scientifically based strategies that draw on elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (e.g., behavioral activation, stress management).
- Easy-to-learn strategies for reducing stress and strain
- Transdiagnostic, meaning it can be effective for a variety of psychological issues
- Trained lay people from the same language and cultural background as the participants can deliver PM+. This eliminates transcultural and language barriers
- Only a few professionals and resources are needed to train and supervise many “Helpers”. This makes the intervention easily scalable and cost-effective