WhatsApp as a tool for psychiatric crisis management: lessons from a Ghanaian support group.

BACKGROUND

Psychiatric emergencies, such as psychosis, suicidality, and severe agitation, pose significant challenges in low-resource settings like Ghana, where access to timely care is often limited. Digital communication platforms, particularly WhatsApp, offer promising avenues for supplementing psychiatric support.

METHODS

This qualitative program evaluation examined a WhatsApp-based mental health support group operating in Ghana over a ten-year period. The group included mental health service users (MHSUs), caregivers, and professionals. Data were derived from archived chat logs, facilitator notes, and participant reflections. Thematic analysis of data was guided by digital ethnography and narrative reconstruction.

RESULTS

Over the course of a decade, the group successfully averted more than 20 documented psychiatric crises with only one hospitalization reported. The platform enabled early symptom recognition, peer and professional intervention, and timely referrals. The ten MHSUs who contributed reflections were predominantly female, with bipolar disorder being the most common diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

WhatsApp-based support groups can serve as vital adjuncts to formal psychiatric care, offering a scalable, community-driven model for crisis monitoring and intervention. The success in Ghana demonstrates the value of integrating digital platforms into national mental health strategies, supported by ethical guidelines and professional oversight. Future studies should evaluate long-term outcomes and explore replication in similar low-resource contexts.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.