15 & 21 May- As part of its weekly mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and COVID-19 webinar series, the Mental Health and Substance Use Unit held two virtual seminars on tele-mental health and remote MHPSS interventions during COVID-19.
Evidence shows that tele-mental health services can be quite effective, and in some cases as effective as face-to-face interventions. However, it is essential that they be adapted to each context and accompanied by training and support. It is also important to consider the platform, the type of intervention, and the confidentiality and legal regulations associated with remote MHPSS.
On 15 May, Dr. Carmen Martinez¸ PAHO Subregional Mental Health Advisers for Central America and the Latin Caribbean and South America, and Dr. Andrea Bruni, PAHO Subregional Mental Health Adviser for South America, hosted a virtual seminar on remote MHPSS interventions. Dr. Martinez presented the scientific evidence on remote MHPSS and important considerations on its general use and the platform utilized. Dr. Nubia Bautista, Mental Health Coordinator at the Ministry of Health of Colombia presented the experience of Colombia, and Alejandra Angulo of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) presented on remote MHPSS interventions implemented by HIAS in Panama. 1,035 participants were in attendance.
On 21 May, Dr. Elisa Prieto, Advisor on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) and Mental Health, of the PAHO Caribbean Subregional Office, and Dr. Claudina Cayetano, PAHO Regional Advisor on Mental Health, hosted a virtual seminar on the remote delivery of MHPSS in the context of COVID-19. Drs. Ken Carswell and Brandon Grey from the WHO presented evidence, examples, and key considerations for tele-mental health and remote MHPSS. Dr. Keva S. Thompson, NCD Consultant for PAHO Bahamas and Turks & Caicos, shared the experience of the Bahamas, and Dr. Olufunmike Banks-Devonish, clinical psychologist at the Department of Social Development and Mrs. Hyacinth Augustine Bradley, Community Services Planner for the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Anguilla, shared their country’s experience.