Delivering clinically-effective evidence-based mental health care to young people—at a fraction of traditional costs
200k+
youth
served
60k+
sessions
completed
3,500+
providers
trained
500+
school
partners
80% no longer meet criteria for depression
After only four group sessions
82% no longer meet criteria for anxiety
After only four group sessions
Evidence-backed outcomes
Beyond mental health
Shamiri's impact extends to academic performance, social connections, and long-term wellbeing and livelihoods.
Academic improvement
Youth report a 2% improvement in grades alongside improved personal agency, better school engagement and school climate.
Stronger social connections
Youth develop better peer relationships and report increased social capital, with stronger support networks and improved conflict resolution skills.
Longer-term livelihood effects
Follow-up studies show participants have significantly higher savings, increased social capital, and better school or work stability years after the intervention.
Agency Fund Film
A new way to help young people with their mental health
Shamiri is proving that effective mental health care at scale doesn’t require expensive models—it requires smart innovation, proximate leadership, and rigorous evidence. Hear our founder, Tom Osborn, speak on the TED Stage on how our community-first, youth-oriented model could help young people worldwide lead successful, independent lives.
Transformative economics
Making care accessible at scale
We’ve built one of the world’s most cost-effective models for youth mental healthcare at scale. Our model delivers clinical outcomes comparable at a fraction of the cost.
Shamiri Cost Comparison
Cost per youth served
$700
$600
$500
$400
$300
$200
$100
$0
$7
Shamiri
$25
Peer Therapy
$45
Group Therapy
$175
Lay CBT in LMICs
$400
Private Therapy
$700
School-Based Programs
Transforming livelihoods
Training the next generation of providers
Training the next generation of providers
We've trained and employed 3,000+ young adults as mental health providers—transforming both their livelihoods and the mental health landscape. Fellows earn income while gaining clinical experience and accredited training
Building provider pathways
Fellows progress from brief training to supervised practice to advanced certifications through Shamiri Academy—our accredited Diploma in Psychology program. We're building the mental health workforce Africa needs.
Beyond direct care delivery, our model creates systemic change: Young adults gain employment and skills. Communities gain accessible mental health support. The broader health system gains trained providers who can work anywhere.
Scaling our impact
Designing for impact-at-scale
We're on track to reach 250,000 youth by 2026—establishing Shamiri as the definitive model for scalable, sustainable youth mental healthcare across East Africa.
