Mental Health

Mental health and substance use disorders are a growing global burden that is responsible for one out of every ten lost years of health. Additionally, people living with HIV experience higher rates of common mental health conditions, such as depression, which can pose a threat to the success of treatment programs and contribute to decreased antiretroviral therapy adherence.

In South Africa, I-TECH worked with local partners and the National Department of Health to integrate mental health services into routine primary and chronic care as a way to increase access to care, ensure treatment adherence, and improve patient engagement through the Mental Health Integration (MhINT) program.

• “Integrating Mental Health Interventions for HIV Prevention and Care“
  • Date: January 17, 2023
  • Host: ICAP Grand Rounds
  • Presenter: Pamela Collins, MD, MPH
• “Integrating Mental Health into HIV Prevention, Care and Treatment Programs: Real World Questions and Opportunities“
  • Date: December 1, 2022
  • Host: Mental Health Innovation Network, in collaboration with UW BIRCH and I-TECH
  • Speakers: Pamela Collins, MD, MPH; Lydia Chwastiak, MD, MPH; Jhanille A. Brooks, MA; Gloria Gonese, MbChB, MPH; Belinda White, MSc; James Sale