Friendship Bench DC is an initiative by HelpAge USA, inspired by psychiatrist Dr. Dixon Chibanda’s Friendship Bench model in Zimbabwe. With more than 100 scientific, peer-reviewed studies, this evidence-based program trains “grandmothers” to provide basic talk therapy to people of all ages on wooden “Friendship Benches” situated in safe spaces within communities, effectively addressing anxiety and depression. Since its launch, the Friendship Bench model has served more than 150,000 people and has been featured in many articles, as well as Dr. Dixon Chibanda’s TED Talk.

Sessions are conducted by “grandparents” from the community who have been trained in problem solving talk therapy.  While most people visit the bench only a handful of times, the impact is significant.