Scaling up mental health services in Ghana

Key messages:

• District mental healthcare plans can have a positive impact on reducing the treatment gap for mental health services through an integrated approach to the detection, treatment, and management of mental health conditions.
• Training and supportive supervision are required to ensure that district-level mental health service providers have the skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality mental healthcare. Focus areas for training and supervision include identification, assessment, and management of mental health conditions.
• It is important to engage all relevant stakeholders in the planning and implementation of the plans to ensure ownership.
• Standard Operating Procedures are essential to ensure that mental health care plans are effective and sustainable.