Strengthening mental health systems, expanding access to quality care and building a society that promotes mental wellbeing and resilience. Through education, research, innovation and partnerships, FPD works to address the barriers that prevent people from accessing mental health support.
Building a Mentally Healthier SocietyMore than a decade of work to strengthen mental health services and support.
FPD has been active in mental health since 2011 and in violence prevention from much earlier. Our mental health work cuts across our major priority areas, including education, conferences, research, health-system strengthening and the introduction of innovative solutions.
Our vision is to build a better society through education and capacity development. We aim to do more than participate in the mental health conversation: we seek to catalyse action that addresses the social, political and structural barriers limiting access to mental health services.
High-quality, affordable education and training to expand the mental health workforce, improve competencies and strengthen resilience.
Research and implementation science to test service-delivery models and develop new knowledge that responds to mental health needs.
Catalytic projects, policy support and partnerships that improve access to mental health care and strengthen service delivery.
The need for accessible, affordable and effective mental health support.
Mental health conditions create a substantial burden for individuals, families, communities and health systems. Global and South African evidence highlights the need for stronger prevention, early intervention and accessible services.
It is estimated that 20–30% of all Years Lived with Disabilities are attributable to mental and substance use disorders.
The original FPD situational analysis cited a 2022 estimate that 90% of people requiring mental health support were unable to access it.
A severe shortage and unequal distribution of specialised mental health professionals limits access to care, particularly in the public sector.
The allocation of mental health resources remains a challenge, with a need for greater investment in community and primary-level care.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) estimates that more than one in three South Africans will develop a mental health condition during their lifetime.
The Mental Health Care Act (No. 17 of 2002) provides for mental health to be integrated into general health services at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. However, significant barriers to access remain.
Five connected workstreams guide FPD's mental health system strengthening work.
FPD's technical approach is delivered through targeted workstreams, using South Africa as a springboard to test innovative approaches that can be replicated and expanded across the continent.
FPD has established a team of local and international experts with experience in mental health, HIV/TB, gender-based violence, the world of work and climate change. The team provides technical assistance to policymakers, organisations, civil society, researchers and programme implementers. Support includes evidence-based planning, service delivery, supervision and performance improvement.
As a registered private higher education institution, FPD offers accredited courses through online, virtual and in-person formats. Capacity development supports policy and planning, workforce expansion, civil society, public education and mental health resilience among healthcare professionals and the broader workforce.
FPD works with technology and academic partners to use digital solutions to lower barriers to mental health care. Technology supports training, mental health literacy, screening, referrals, mentoring and improved access across geographical areas. The FPD Research Unit also develops new knowledge through implementation science projects.
Building on more than 25 years of HIV/TB system strengthening and community engagement experience, FPD brings together government, NGOs, civil society, academic institutions and other partners. These collaborations support coordinated activities, shared resources, advocacy and research.
FPD designs and tests task-sharing models that enable appropriately trained non-specialists to provide structured mental health support under supervision. This includes Registered Counsellors and lay counsellors equipped with evidence-based approaches such as Interpersonal Counselling, Motivational Interviewing and Safety Planning. These models are designed to be integrated into existing HIV, TB and primary care platforms.
Contributing to stronger policies, services, workforce capacity and access to care.
FPD's technical assistance has helped position mental health more firmly within South Africa's national health agenda. This work has contributed to policy frameworks and practical changes in service delivery, medicines access, human resources and medical scheme benefits.
National policy gains are increasingly being translated into provincial strategies, referral systems and routine monitoring tools.
Beyond policy, the programme has strengthened the workforce, tools and coordination mechanisms needed to support sustainable mental health care.
A large-scale blended training and mentoring programme has equipped frontline providers to recognise and respond to common mental health conditions within HIV, TB and primary care services.
Programmes include awareness and stigma reduction, clinical screening and communication, the WHO mhGAP package, mental health mentoring, webinars and virtual Grand Rounds for healthcare professionals.
Mental health screening and referral have been integrated into HIV and TB service platforms, expanding access for people who might otherwise never have been identified or supported.
Creating awareness, reducing stigma and connecting people to support.
The Masiviwe — Let's be heard! Movement for mental health continues to grow as a multi-channel platform that promotes mental health literacy, reduces stigma and connects the public and healthcare workers to support.
Join the movement to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma and encourage conversations about mental wellbeing.
Search for MasiviweZA on social media and explore the resources available on the Masiviwe website.
Using digital solutions to extend access to mental health support.
Technology provides opportunities to lower barriers to mental health care, improve screening and referrals, support healthcare workers and make information accessible beyond traditional facility-based services.
FPD has worked with Columbia University Psychiatry Department to validate an electronic mental wellness screening tool algorithm in South Africa. The adult South African version has completed validation, according to the published page.
Open digital tools and self-help resources provide access to mental health information and screening beyond traditional healthcare settings.
The Masiviwe Mental Health Services Map lists more than 620 verified psychosocial support facilities and institutions.
Access online mental health screening resources for different areas of mental wellbeing.
Access Screening ToolsFind psychosocial support facilities and institutions through the Masiviwe services map.
Explore the Services MapDiscover Africa's first serious game for mental health, designed to build mental resilience skills among young people.
Discover StepWellPromoting mental health as an essential part of the broader public health response.
Donor funding for mental health and for people living with mental health conditions remains limited. FPD works to leverage existing donor investment in HIV/TB programmes to advance mental health activities and promote the integration of mental health into broader health programming.
Through this approach, FPD secured support from the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator for the integration of mental health into HIV/TB programmes in Africa.
FPD also advocates for people with severe mental health conditions to be recognised within key population programming, helping to advance access to dedicated resources and targeted interventions.
FPD's advocacy work has received recognition on regional and global platforms.
In 2025, FPD was recognised with a South African Public Health and Equity (SAPHE) Award for excellence in community engagement.
FPD was also invited to contribute to a United Nations High-Level Meeting.
FPD is committed to strengthening mental health systems, improving access to affordable quality care and building a society that promotes mental wellbeing and resilience. Through education, research, innovation, policy support and collaboration, we work towards a future where everyone can access the mental health support they need.