Mehac aims to demonstrate that comprehensive psychosocial care can be provided in resource scarce settings by linking up with local partners in training volunteers and others in mental health care. It will make use of existing health care delivery systems and integrate Psychiatry with the rest of medicine. The crux of the Mehac model is provision of free, good quality biopsychosocial care to the needy through a network of clinics involving a variety of local partners, empowering trained volunteers to function as effective mental health care coordinators. The aim is to provide long term management of chronic mental disorders through a system of community owned and managed care supervised and run by Mehac. Clinical remission from mental disorders and rehabilitation will be the main objectives.

The components of this program will be:

• Regular (weekly) outpatient psychiatric clinics in the same physical settings where people with physical health problems are seen, using the same systems that exist. Initial and follow up assessments will be by the Psychiatrists of Mehac, who will set up care plans in conjunction with the patient and family.
• Setting up robust electronic medical record systems which will underpin good psychosocial care. Care will be taken to ensure confidentiality of sensitive personal information.
• Good quality care through comprehensive care plans implemented in the community.
• Each patient will have a named volunteer care worker who will be in charge of implementing the care plan.
• The individualised care plans will focus on social and psychological aspects as well as medical.
• Mehac will provide training and clinical supervision for the volunteers and others.
• The overall psychosocial and treatment needs of patients will be conceptualised at one of 3 different levels. At the primary level are those needs which will be met by the local volunteers who will be given a general training. More complex needs might be met by local doctors, nurses and other professionals or volunteers who have been specifically trained. The most complex psychosocial problems will be attended to by the professionals of Mehac.
• Regular telephone supervision will be provided by Mehac. This and face to face outpatient contacts will ensure good quality of clinical care.
• Provision of necessary care at home including visits by Psychiatrists.
• Community based rehabilitation managed by local partners.