We are working successfully to end the depression epidemic in Africa – imagine what we'll do in America 

Depression is a global  challenge  that requires a global solution. Our  success treating depression on one continent positions us to meet the needs of people on another. 

Read about our work in Africa

Innovative Model = Uncommon Impact

Our innovative group therapy is considered one of the  world's most effective models for  reducing depression symptoms and  preventing recurrence.  The World Health Organization  recommends our model as a first line  treatment for depression.

Depression Reduction

80% of participants are depression free at the conclusion of group sessions  & that result is sustained six months  after   therapy. 

Increased Social- Emotional Supports​

Participants in our group therapy bond with  one another. Many report  they now have someone to turn to  for support.   28% report feeling more connected to others.

Increased Participation in Work & School 

30% of participants report an increase in their children's school attendance &  16% report an increase  in work attendance.

Treating Depression at Scale 

StrongMinds Africa

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Since 2013, StrongMinds has provided group therapy to  communities in Uganda and Zambia  with the following results:

• ​Over  200,000  woman and youth have been treated for depression
• 80% are   depression free   six months post-therapy
• 28% report feeling more socially connected 
• 30% of mothers report an increase in children's school attendance 
• 16% report improved work attendance
• 13% report an increase in family food security​​
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StrongMinds America

Beginning in late 2022, StrongMinds has delivered group therapy  to youth (16-25) in communities in and around Newark, NJ with the following anticipated results:

• 30,000 youth will receive    with critical outreach and education  over the next three years
• 10,500 youth will   join support groups & receive     counseling 
• Participants  in counseling will experience an average 10-point reduction in depression symptom scores as measured by the PHQ-9
• 65% recovery rate among counseling participants  (depression-free/minimal symptoms on PHQ-9) at conclusion of  group sessions
• Group sessions   will strengthen and promote socialization, support emotional development &   decision-making
• Participants will report increases in work productivity, social supports, and decreases in school/work absenteeism, use of alcohol/drugs, and other risk behaviors​

Program Evaluation

As a data-driven organization, StrongMinds America collects and analyzes participant data at multiple time points to quantify the impact and outcomes of our therapy. We use the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)  to measure and quantify depression in our participants. The PHQ-9  is administered at the initial screening, during a one-on-one pre-therapy session with a facilitator, halfway through the program (midline), and after the program’s final session (endline).

Participation (attendance rates) and participant-reported satisfaction are also tracked, as well as qualitative data, including participant and group leader interviews to understand engagement, preferences, group dynamics, and additional reported outcomes. We utilize external enumerators to collect two-week and six-month post-therapy data for a representative sample of patients to prevent social desirability biases and ensure data integrity.

We work with independent research consultants/academic investigators to explore statistically significant results.