Problem Management Plus

“PM+ meets people where they’re at both geographically and emotionally, and is backed by research and the guidance of leading mental health providers.”

—Rick Gertsema, MS
Mental Health Senior Advisor, Miller-Dwan Foundation

“PM+ meets people where they’re at both geographically and emotionally, and is backed by research and the guidance of leading mental health providers.”

—Rick Gertsema, MS, LP
Mental Health Senior Advisor, Miller-Dwan Foundation

“We are creating a new model for a behavioral and mental health workforce.”

—Adam Brown, PhD, MA, BA
Associate Professor of Psychology (Clinical)
and Vice Provost of Research, The New School for Social Research

“We are creating a new model for a behavioral and mental health workforce.”

—Adam Brown, PhD
Associate Professor of Psychology (Clinical)
and Vice Provost of Research, The New School for Social Research

“PM+ provides people with the tools they need to help prevent them from needing a higher level of care.”

—Traci Marciniak
CEO, ArcaMind

“PM+ provides people with tools to proactively manage their health and prevent the need for a higher level of care.”

—Traci Marciniak
CEO, ArcaMind

What is Problem Management Plus (PM+)?

This proven, scalable, and cost-effective low-intensity mental health intervention was developed by the World Health Organization. It is delivered by trained non-clinical workers and is for people who are experiencing common mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, or stressful life problems. PM+ fills a gap in the behavioral health services system by providing early intervention and potential prevention of more acute behavioral health service needs. The curriculum is adapted to fit the cultural context of the participants, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.

Participants gain skills for handling both practical and emotional challenges

Stress Management

Problem
Management

Behavioral
Activation

Accessing
Social Support

Watch how PM+ is reshaping mental health support.

See the research

PM+ has been adapted for various cultural contexts and found to be feasible and acceptable.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/
articles/PMC8503941/

PM+ significantly reduces self-reported problems, depression and anxiety.

Solutions for:

Communities

Partnering with communities to implement early mental health interventions that prevent crises and build supportive inclusive environments. Our programs strengthen relationships, reduce isolation and marginalization, and enhance resilience.

Solutions for:

Business Organizations

Collaborating with business organizations to prioritize mental health and create strategies that address the unique needs of the workplace. Our programs aim to foster a productive, positive work environment and a healthier, balanced life for the workforce.

Solutions for:

Nonprofit Organizations

Enabling nonprofit organizations to significantly impact their mission by addressing the mental health needs of the populations they serve. Our training programs support the essential objectives of nonprofit organizations.

The PM+ Process

Engagement and Introduction

Establish rapport and introduce the PM+ approach.
Explain the goals and expectations of the program.

Problem Management

Identify and prioritize specific problems or stressors.
Develop practical strategies for managing these problems.

Stress Management

Teach stress management techniques such as relaxation and mindfulness.
Encourage adaptive coping strategies to reduce stress levels.

Behavioral Activation

Encourage participation in positive and meaningful activities.
Address withdrawal and promote reengagement in daily routines.

Strengthening Social Support

Enhance social support networks and communication skills.
Foster supportive relationships and connections within the community.

Review and Maintenance

Monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.
Emphasize self-management and sustained practice of learned skills.

Closure and Follow-Up

Summarize achievements and discuss future goals.
Provide resources and referrals for ongoing support if needed.

Program Length

The PM+ program typically consists of 5 to 6 sessions, each lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes. This duration allows for comprehensive coverage of problem-solving techniques, stress management strategies, behavioral activation, and strengthening social support, tailored to individual needs within a structured timeframe.

PM+ Recipients

PM+ aims to provide scalable and effective mental health support to diverse groups.

It is designed to serve individuals affected by adversity, stress, and common mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression. It is not for those who have a severe mental illness, severe cognitive and/or neurological impairment, severe substance use disorder, or high risk of suicide.

PM+ Roles

Master Trainer

Responsibilities
• Oversees the implementation and quality assurance of the PM+ program.
• Trains and supervises Trainers and Helpers.
• Provides ongoing support and guidance to ensure fidelity to the PM+ model.
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of PM+ interventions.

Qualifications
• Extensive experience in mental health, preferably with expertise in psychological interventions.
• Proficiency in training and supervision techniques.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.

Trainer

Responsibilities
• Conducts training sessions for Helpers on PM+ techniques and protocols.
• Provides ongoing supervision and support to Helpers during their implementation of PM+.
• Ensures fidelity to the PM+ model and adherence to quality standards.
• Facilitates discussions and skill-building exercises during training sessions.

Qualifications
• Background in mental health or related field.
• Experience in delivering psychological interventions.
• Effective communication and teaching skills.

Helper

Responsibilities
• Implements the PM+ interventions with individuals or groups in the community.
• Assists participants in identifying and addressing specific problems and stressors.
• Teaches stress management techniques and behavioral activation strategies.
• Enhances social support networks and encourages participation in meaningful activities.

Qualifications
• Training and certification in PM+ techniques through ArcaMind Helper training.
• Empathy and interpersonal skills to build rapport with participants.
• Cultural sensitivity and understanding of community dynamics.

Watch how PM+ is reshaping mental health support.

Solutions for:

Communities

Solutions for:

Business Organizations

Solutions for:

Nonprofit Organizations

Master Trainer

Trainer

Helper

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