Clinical Mental Health Mentorship Strengthens Outpatient Services in Government District Hospitals

St John of God University, in collaboration with St John of God Hospitaller Services and with support from Seed Global Health, conducted a clinical mental health mentorship activity from 17th to 21st August 2026 in five partnered Government District Hospital outpatient mental health clinics in Chitipa, Karonga, Rumphi, Mzimba South and Nkhata Bay.

The mentorship aimed to strengthen the capacity of mental healthcare providers in the identification, assessment, management and follow-up of clients utilising mental health services at district level. The initiative provided an opportunity for mental health professionals and clinical teams to work together in reviewing challenging and complex cases encountered in routine outpatient practice.

Through case-based discussions, mentors and mental healthcare providers examined clinical presentations, diagnostic considerations, treatment approaches, psychosocial interventions and appropriate referral pathways. The collaborative approach encouraged healthcare workers to share experiences, discuss practical challenges and identify context-appropriate solutions for improving mental health care.

The mentorship also promoted teamwork and continuous professional learning while strengthening linkages between district-level mental health services and specialist support. Participants reported valuable learning from the opportunity to discuss real-life cases and receive guidance from experienced mental health practitioners.

The initiative demonstrated the commitment of St John of God University and its partners to strengthening decentralised mental health services and improving access to quality, person-centred mental healthcare within Malawi’s public health system.