Community Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
Core concepts
Community mental health emphasizes promotion, prevention, early intervention, and recovery. Know common disorders (depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance use), screening tools, suicide risk assessment, stigma reduction, and psychosocial support in disasters. Understand stepped care and task-shifting to community workers.
Traps in questions
- Missing suicide risk and failing to ask directly.
- Confusing grief with depression.
- Ignoring confidentiality and informed consent.
- Overlooking stigma as a barrier to care.
- Failing to refer when risk is high.
Worked example / rule of thumb
A client expresses hopelessness and says 'no one would miss me.' Priority: directly assess suicide risk, ensure safety, and refer urgently. Rule of thumb: always ask about suicide directly-asking does not increase risk.
Key teaching points
Screen early and refer high-risk clients. Reduce stigma. Respect confidentiality and consent.