Problem Management Plus (PM+), a new course dedicated to addressing systemic challenges in mental health care in Poland, is being promoted for further integration into medical education curricula in the country.
PM+ is a scalable, evidence-based psychological intervention designed to help individuals experiencing stress, anxiety and depression. With a structured and low-intensity online format, it empowers non-specialists to deliver practical coping strategies such as stress management and problem-solving.
Integrating PM+ as a voluntary component within academic curricula will establish a framework for training future helpers, ensuring its long-term impact within Poland’s health-care system and beyond.
The WHO Country Office in Poland launched the PM+ initiative in response to the urgent need for mental health support in the country. Since the war in Ukraine began in 2022, Poland has become a sanctuary to over 1 million refugees, many grappling with trauma, displacement and uncertainty.
The initiative’s positive reception has paved the way for its future expansion to other disciplines, such as nursing and pharmacy, ensuring that professionals across health-care fields are equipped to address psychosocial needs.
Following a successful pilot project in Gdańsk, work is underway in collaboration with the WHO Country Office to gain formal recognition for PM+ competencies and establish an academic elective combining PM+ theory and practice.
Integrating PM+ into academia
In June 2024 an initial 6-day intensive programme to train a group of trainers in Warsaw brought together mental health professionals from diverse institutions, equipping them with the PM+ protocol. Insights from real-world interventions, supervision and independently organized training sessions helped to shape a Polish-adapted PM+ manual.
Next, in a pilot project in Gdańsk, fifth-year psychology students from SWPS University delivered the 5-session online PM+ programme to stressed parents as part of a supervised course dedicated to PM+ theory and practice. Psychologist and Assistant Lecturer Natalia Frankowska noted, “Young graduates leave with skills they can use from the first day of their careers.”
Championing systemic change
Additional efforts in Gdańsk exemplify the initiative’s potential to address systemic challenges in mental health care.
Graduates of the first intensive programme in June 2024 organized a PM+ training for staff at the Gdańsk Centre for Health Promotion and Addiction Prevention. Professionals supporting people in crisis gained theoretical knowledge and engaged in simulation exercises, including a real-life intervention. A total of 22 individuals completed the training and received certification as PM+ helpers.
Kamil Tomaszewski, Psychologist and Lecturer at SWPS University, noted, “PM+ is an ideal solution for countries where access to full psychotherapy is limited. It provides quick, effective support, offering coping strategies to bridge the gap while individuals await comprehensive care. By equipping frontline workers to deliver timely interventions, PM+ fills a critical void in Poland’s mental health system, where long wait times for specialized care are a persistent issue.”
The initiative’s success lies in the network of skilled trainers ready to scale up PM+ across Poland, amplifying its reach. What began as a pilot project to train frontline workers and civil society organizations has grown into a nationwide movement that is fostering resilience, addressing systemic mental health gaps, and embedding sustainable solutions into Poland’s health-care and education systems.
Building confidence and competence
The human impact of PM+ shines through the experiences of its practitioners. Weronika Kamińska-Skrzyńska, Assistant Professor at the Medical University of Gdańsk, shared her experience as a non-psychologist: “The most difficult part for me was the responsibility involved in being a helper – supporting another person in need. At first, PM+’s techniques seemed too simple to make a difference, and the volume of exercises was overwhelming. But, with practice, I found satisfaction in their effectiveness. The training gave me tools to understand others’ struggles and the confidence that anyone with the right tools and training can help themselves and those in need.”
For the psychology students – 2 groups of around 30 participants each – PM+ has been a game changer. Natalia Frankowska and Kamil Tomaszewski emphasized its value for young trainees: “PM+ teaches structure, consistency and specific techniques, giving students a concrete starting point for crisis intervention. It builds their sense of competence while clearly distinguishing between immediate support and full-scale psychotherapy. This structured approach has made PM+ a vital educational tool, equipping future professionals with practical skills.”
Looking ahead: a blueprint for resilience
The WHO Country Office in Poland’s investment in PM+ has reshaped mental health support in emergency settings and beyond. As the programme grows, it will strengthen Poland’s ability to support mental health, ensuring timely, effective care for all in need.
The story of PM+ in Poland is one of innovation and resilience, proving that with the right tools, anyone can help to build a more compassionate future.