Group therapy in Uganda helps HIV-positive people with depression

Research conducted in Uganda showed major remission rates in depression using Group Support Psychotherapy (GSP), a community-based mental health intervention that helps people living with HIV manage depression through peer-led group therapy.

Developed by Dr. Etheldreda Nakimuli-Mpungu, GSP addresses a critical treatment gap in areas where mental health services can be limited. Delivered by trained lay health workers in rural health centres, the intervention blends psychological support, cultural storytelling, and spiritual framing to reduce depression and improve daily life.

The cluster randomised controlled trial showed that more than 90% of participants experienced remission from major depression within six months. These benefits were sustained over time, leading to improved mental health, daily functioning, and adherence to HIV treatment. The programme has also proven cost-effective—it costs about US$13 to prevent one year of poor health and disability—and scalable.

Peer support is central to GSP’s success. As one participant shared: “The members who shared their personal problems were thorough and explicit; while the other members were cooperative as they came in to support them.” This sense of collective healing has made GSP deeply trusted and impactful in rural communities.

The programme was developed at Makerere University and supported by Grand Challenges Canada*, MQ Mental Health Research*, and the CRI Foundation. Rigorous evaluation was conducted in partnership with TASO, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, and Johns Hopkins University. These collaborations ensured scientific credibility, strong community engagement, and national policy relevance.

GSP is expanding across Uganda, GSP is being adapted for youth and humanitarian settings, including refugee communities. Ongoing research supports its integration into HIV services and primary care—helping embed mental health into broader health systems.

Group Support Psychotherapy shows how culturally grounded, research-backed solutions can transform lives—bringing healing, dignity, and system-level change to communities most in need.

*IAMHRF Member