Paynesville – U.S.-based Liberian psychiatrist Levi Wondeyee has launched a mental health initiative aimed at rehabilitating underprivileged youth and adults struggling with drug addiction and trauma-related disorders in Liberia.
By Jaheim Tumu, [email protected]
Wondeyee, who recently returned to the country, said he and his wife have invested over $50,000 into a local nonprofit called Lewondell Mental Health Solutions.
The organization will offer rehabilitation and counseling services for conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
In an interview with FrontPage Africa, Wondeyee described Liberia’s mental health situation as “alarming” and warned of the national risk posed by untreated mental illness. “If we don’t resolve this, it could turn into a national crisis. Young people could begin to take over communities, and the government won’t be able to just use force against them — you can’t shoot them, they’re sick,” he said.
The initiative is backed by a team of mental health professionals from the U.S. who are prepared to work in Liberia to expand awareness and treatment access. Wondeyee also emphasized that mental health challenges affect not just vulnerable populations, but professionals and ordinary citizens alike who suffer silently.
As part of a five-year development plan, Wondeyee intends to build a rehabilitation center in Nimba County capable of housing over 600 youth. Preliminary research conducted across parts of Monrovia revealed widespread mental health challenges, which he said will be key to mobilizing further support.
“We’re not only focused on street dwellers. Many are silently suffering — even people in offices and homes. Our team can identify and help these individuals before it becomes a societal problem,” he said.
In addition to mental health care, Wondeyee is also exploring green economy projects in Ganta that could be integrated into the rehabilitation process.
He is appealing for government partnership and financial support to expand the program nationally. “Our projection shows we could employ over 10,000 Liberians — nurses, counselors, and many others who are currently jobless. We are here, willing and ready to serve,” he concluded.
Lewondell Mental Health Solutions is one of the few private-sector efforts in Liberia dedicated solely to mental health treatment and awareness.
