Problem solving therapy: the answer to youth depression?

A significant gap remains in effective mental health interventions for young people. Addressing this gap is crucial, and approaches like problem-solving therapy could offer a practical, accessible solution within educational settings. Alisha and Professor Vikram Patel discuss a school-based trial in India that’s exploring a new way forward: POD (Problem Identification, Option generation and Do it). It’s an intervention that combines cognitive and behavioural techniques to help young people develop the skills to address their problems directly. We hear from counsellor Bindiya Chodankar, who reflects on the impact problem-solving therapy has had on students in the trial, and speak to the researchers now adapting the model for university settings. It’s a powerful reminder that simple solutions can go a long way to solving complex problems. 

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