Improving mental health support for migrants in humanitarian emergencies
Official title: Optimizing implementation of evidence-based mental health interventions to promote reach and retention among migrants in transit in humanitarian emergencies
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10907513 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to make mental health support easier to access for Venezuelan migrants in Colombia by using a special program called Problem Management Plus, designed to help them cope with their challenges and stay connected to care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $175,456 |
| NIH project number | 5K01MH129572-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907513 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Venezuelan migrants who are currently in transit through Colombia and facing mental health challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not migrants or those who are not currently in transit may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing access to mental health services for migrants who are often difficult to reach due to their transient nature. It aims to implement and optimize a psychological intervention called Problem Management Plus (PM+) specifically for Venezuelan migrants in Colombia. By utilizing innovative strategies and human-centered design, the project seeks to improve both the reach and retention of these vulnerable populations in mental health care. The research will be conducted through a collaboration between Columbia University and a humanitarian organization, ensuring that the interventions are tailored to the unique challenges faced by migrants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve mental health outcomes for migrants in transit during humanitarian crises.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in implementing mental health interventions in humanitarian settings, indicating potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greene, Martha Claire — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Greene, Martha Claire
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Preventing and Responding to Heat-Related Mental Health Emergencies in Low-Income Boston
This project looks at how hot weather affects mental health for uninsured and publicly insured people in Boston and what neighborhood or care factors might help.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
-
Long-term HIV prevention and mental health support for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda
A long-term program in rural Uganda tests if combining economic support and family strengthening helps teenage girls stay HIV-free and improve mental health as they grow into young adults.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Maternal mental health help to protect kids’ breathing health
A mother-focused mental health program is tested to see if improving moms’ mood can also support better breathing and fewer asthma symptoms in children.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.