COMMUNITY-BASED MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS IN AFRICA: A REVIEW AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR U.S. HEALTHCARE PRACTICES

Abstract

This study critically examines community-based mental health interventions in Africa and their implications for U.S. healthcare practices. The primary aim was to explore the effectiveness of these interventions and assess their potential integration into the U.S. healthcare framework. The methodology employed was a comprehensive literature review, focusing on recent peer-reviewed articles and reports. This approach facilitated an in-depth analysis of the evolution of mental health care models, the significance of community-based approaches in African contexts, and their relevance to U.S. healthcare systems The findings reveal that African community-based mental health models are distinct in their emphasis on community engagement, integration with traditional practices, and the pivotal role of non-governmental organizations. These elements have contributed significantly to their success and offer valuable insights for U.S. mental health care enhancement. The study also identified key research gaps, providing a foundation for future scholarly work. In conclusion, the study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating African community-based mental health strategies into U.S. practices. The recommendations emphasize the need for economic alignment, sociocultural training in psychiatric education, a coherent value appraisal framework, and policy integration. These strategic suggestions aim to foster a more inclusive, culturally sensitive, and effective mental health care system in the U.S., drawing on the successful experiences from African models. This research contributes significantly to the global mental health discourse, offering a unique perspective on cross-cultural learning and adaptation in mental health care practices.
 Keywords: Community-Based Mental Health, African Models, U.S. Healthcare, Mental Health Care, Global Mental Health.