Group PM Plus - ArcaMind

“Group PM+ brings people together, offering collective support and practical strategies to manage stress and emotional challenges.”

—Traci Marciniak
CEO, ArcaMind

“Group PM+ brings people together, offering collective support and practical strategies to manage stress and emotional challenges.”

—Traci Marciniak
CEO, ArcaMind

“This program underscores the importance of social support in mental health, helping individuals build resilience through shared experiences.”

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

“This program underscores the importance of social support in mental health, helping individuals build resilience through shared experiences.”

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

What is Group Problem Management Plus (Group PM+)?

In response to global requests, the World Health Organization has developed a group version of the PM+ program. This version adapts Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to be practical in communities with few specialists. The intervention is designed to help groups experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress, whether or not these issues stem from adversity. It aims to improve mental health and psychosocial well-being, regardless of the severity of the problems. 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

See the research

PM+ effectively reduces symptoms of common mental disorders for Syrian refugees.

Implementation of Group PM+ has not only benefited individual participants but also contributed to community-level resilience and support systems.

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:

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.

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 support a productive, positive work environment and a healthier, balanced life for the workforce.

Group PM + Process

Assessment and Engagement

Participants are assessed to understand their specific needs and challenges.
Engagement and rapport are built.

Education

Group sessions begin with education about common mental health issues and how they can affect individuals.

Skill Building

Participants are taught practical skills such as stress management techniques, problem-solving strategies, and ways to improve social support networks.

Active Monitoring and Support

Throughout the sessions, Helpers actively monitor participants’ progress and provide support as needed.
The application of learned skills in real-life situations is encouraged.

Closure and Follow-Up

The intervention concludes with a review of progress made and a discussion on how participants can continue to apply their new skills independently.
Follow-up sessions may be offered to reinforce learning.

Program Length

The program length of Group PM+ can vary depending on several factors, including the specific needs of the participants and the format of the sessions. In many implementations, Group PM+ typically consists of 8 to 12 weekly sessions, each lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This duration allows enough time for participants to learn and practice coping skills, receive support from Helpers and peers, and gradually apply these skills in their daily lives.

Group PM + Recipients

A Group PM+ participant is typically someone who is experiencing common mental health difficulties such as stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma-related symptoms. They may have varying levels of familiarity with mental health services and may seek support to manage their symptoms effectively. It is not for those having a severe mental illness, severe cognitive and/or neurological impairment, severe substance use disorder, or high risk of suicide.

Group PM + Roles

Master Trainer

Responsibilities

Oversees the implementation and quality assurance of the Group PM+ program.
Trains and supervises Trainers and Helpers.
Provides ongoing support and guidance to ensure fidelity to the Group PM+ model.
Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of Group 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 Group PM+ techniques and protocols.
Provides ongoing supervision and support to Helpers during their implementation of Group PM+.
Ensures fidelity to the Group 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 Group 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 Group PM+ techniques through ArcaMind Helper training.
Empathy and interpersonal skills to build rapport with participants.
Cultural sensitivity and understanding of community dynamics.

Solutions for:

Communities

Solutions for:

Nonprofit Organizations

Solutions for:

Business Organizations

Master Trainer

Trainer

Helper

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