UW Consortium for Global Mental Health

UW Global Mental Health develops, tests, and builds the capacity to deliver contextually-appropriate and sustainable models for mental health intervention with local and global partners. UW Global Mental Health is a joint effort of the Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Global Health, in the UW Schools of Medicine and Public Health.


Main Challenge

Mental and substance use disorders are the leading causes of disability globally. Co-morbid conditions increase their impact on morbidity and mortality. At most, 22% of people receive minimally effective care for common mental disorders; a minority receives adequate care for severe mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries.

Our Approach

Our goal is to contribute to reducing the burden of mental disorders in low resource settings through evidence-based research, training, education, and the translation of research to inform public health decision-making. We accomplish this by:

  • Understanding and responding to mental health intervention gaps and opportunities
  • Building workforce capacity to deliver mental health services
  • Elevating mental health on the global and local agenda

Leah Nguyen
lmng@uw.edu
206-221-3828