Behind Every Number, There is a Story: Scaling Mental Health Support in Conflict

As war escalated across Lebanon between January and April 2026, SIDC’s Mental Health Department (Escale) experienced a sharp surge in demand, nearly doubling monthly sessions to meet growing psychological needs.

Key Numbers (Jan – Apr 2026)

• 3,376 Total Sessions: A 25% increase over the previous 4-month period.
• Record Caseload: Monthly sessions surged by +92.5%, reaching 1,030 sessions in April alone.
• 325 First-Time Patients: Out of 571 unique individuals served, over half had never accessed SIDC before.
• 40% High-Risk Distress: 40% of individuals assessed during this period arrived in high-risk emotional states.
• Community Driven: 48% of new clients came through word-of-mouth recommendations.

Understanding War Distress

Our team of 18 psychologists, 3 psychiatrists, 4 social workers, nurses, and peer educators observed two primary forms of trauma:

• Directly Affected: Displaced individuals facing sudden loss, severe disruption, and intense anxiety.
• Indirectly Affected: Those carrying persistent fear, uncertainty, and resurfacing mental health symptoms triggered by ongoing stress.

“After fleeing his home with his family, M.A. (35) approached SIDC under extreme emotional distress and financial strain. Through a tailored plan combining psychiatric care, therapy, and social counseling, M.A. regained stability, stress-management skills, and hope for his family’s future.“

Need support or want to learn more?

Contact SIDC at +961 1 482 428 / +961 1 480 714 or visit our center in Sin El Fil.