Impact Case Study: Evidencing the scale-up of a digital mental health intervention for depression

Mental health conditions are usually unprioritised and often go untreated in humanitarian crises. In Lebanon, there is a high prevalence of common mental disorders (eg, depression) among Lebanese and Syrian refugee populations, yet treatment remains out of reach for many. Digital interventions could offer a lower cost and accessible solution, but their effectiveness in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains understudied. The World Health Organization (WHO), the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) at the Ministry of Public Health Lebanon and other partners worked together to create Step-by-Step (SbS), a digital self-help intervention for adults with depression.

The study provided evidence on SbS’ effectiveness and scalability in humanitarian settings, leading to its integration into Lebanon’s national mental health system. Cost-effectiveness was demonstrated, informing policymakers and implementers of its financial and operational feasibility. During the study, 614 beneficiaries in Lebanon received support, and beyond this a further 4,065 people have been supported by SbS to date. The study’s impact continues to shape future investments and innovations in digital mental health.

R2HC captures detailed case studies through a process that triangulates and validates evidence on uptake and impact. The case study methodology and full version of this summary case study including references are available on request. Outputs and resources from this study are available on the project page.