Libremente
Co-designing scalable mental health support with disaster survivors
Challenge
After flash floods displaced hundreds in Peru, mental health challenges emerged. Volunteer psychologists were outnumbered—yet most survivors had basic phones. How could we provide accessible mental health support at scale when professional resources are scarce?
Approach
Working with LaVictoria Lab, Peruvian psychologists, and survivors, I co-designed Libremente—an SMS-based program using behavioral activation, a proven PTSD treatment. Participants received daily texts inviting activities that encouraged reflection and community interaction.
We tested through surveys and focus groups in Peru, measuring reductions in anxiety and loneliness. With an MIT Ideas award, we then adapted the program for Hurricane Maria survivors in Puerto Rico, tailoring content for elders using Lifeline Program phones.
Impact
Libremente demonstrated that low-tech solutions can address complex mental health needs and complement limited professional resources. The program created a scalable model for post-disaster support using technology people already have.
My Role
Lead Researcher & Designer (LaVictoria Lab and Indepedent)
Team
Aashka Dave, Kari Strömhaug, LaVictoria Lab, Clinica de COSSAO
Team
MIT Ideas Competition 2018
Peru 2017, Puerto Rico 2018