ATMIYATA

Atmiyata is a two tiered community-led mental health model that develops the capacity of community volunteers (Champions and Mitras) to detect mental disorders, provide counselling to people with common mental disorders (CMDs), and refer those suffering from severe mental illness to primary care services for more specialized care. Mitras are trained to identify persons with mental health distress and link them to the Champions. Champions are trained in basic supportive counselling skills, to refer more severe cases, and to aid individuals with mental health issues to access social care benefits. Digital tools on smartphones provided to each Champion help to increase community awareness (e.g., through community films), build capacity of Mitras, and provide mental health tools that Champions use to provide mental health care in the community.