Self-Help Plus (SH+): What It Is, Who It Helps, and Why It Still Matters for Refugees and Migrants
Self-Help Plus (SH+) is a WHO-developed psychological intervention designed to reduce stress and prevent common mental disorders in group settings. It combines a self-help book with weekly audio sessions delivered by trained non-specialists, making it suitable for refugees, asylum seekers, and other populations facing high distress but needing accessible care. SH+ does not require mental health specialists and has been tested in large trials showing reductions in psychological distress, disability, and health costs. It remains relevant today because scalable, low-cost…