Nearly 450 million people are affected by mental illness worldwide. In wealthy nations, just half receive appropriate care, but in developing countries, close to 90 percent go untreated because psychiatrists are in such short supply. Vikram Patel outlines a highly promising approach -- training members of communities to give mental health interventions, empowering ordinary people to care for others.

Vikram Patel: Mental health for all by involving all

Mental health for all by involving all

Mental illnesses shorten lives even in well-resourced countries by up to 20 years, underscoring an urgent global health crisis.

Empowering community members to provide mental health interventions could close the care gap affecting millions globally.

Task shifting in mental health democratizes medical knowledge, making care accessible and empowering communities worldwide.