Research on Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) for Mental Health in Culturally Diverse, Low-Resource Settings

Social workers are increasingly engaged in mental health research, training, and practice across diverse settings and populations. Their use of evidence-based practices that are culturally adaptable and feasible in low-resource settings is critical. Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a brief psychotherapy with over 90 clinical trials supporting its effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and borderline personality disorder. IPT has its roots in social work and is congruent with the fields' focus on interpersonal relationships, working across the ecological system, starting where the client is and empowerment. The practical, relationship focus of IPT makes it well-suited for adaptation across cultures and groups. A growing body of evidence supports the effectiveness of IPT in diverse settings across the globe. In 2016, Group IPT was adopted by the World Health Organization as a first line treatment for depression. Despite its evidence base and cross-cultural applications, IPT has lacked attention by social work researchers and practitioners. This roundtable will feature a multidisciplinary group of experts in the practice, training, and research of IPT across diverse settings in the U.S., Canada, Lebanon, Israel, Ethiopia, Uganda and elsewhere. Roundtable speakers include the Founder/Developer of IPT and Vice Present/President Elect of the International Society of IPT who will discuss the origins of IPT, its relevance to social work, and an overview of the evidence for IPT. Additionally, experts in IPT research across groups and contexts (e.g. Syrian refugees in Lebanon, postpartum women in Israel, Ugandan adolescents, primary care clinics in Ethiopia) will share experiences and recommendations for IPT adaptation, effectiveness, and sustainability. Challenges and lessons learned will include issues around training and supervision of social workers and lay practitioners. Participants will also discuss potential areas for the next wave of IPT research, such as implementation and dissemination. It is expected that the content and discussion from this roundtable will spur further exploration on IPT research and practice in social work and promote understanding on conducting mental health research in culturally diverse and low-resource settings.