Abstract
The study explored methods to reduce mental health stigma in Nigeria. Participants were health care students from a University in Southern Nigeria who participated in focus groups following a mental health awareness seminar. An inductive theory-driven approach using thematic analysis was used to identify underlying meanings based on participant responses. Several methods to reduce mental health stigma emerged, with education deemed the most significant within and across themes and essential to supporting the effectiveness of other methods including access to resources, support systems, and direct social contact. Implications of findings for future practice in reducing mental health stigma using education to support awareness of mental health issues and advance counseling services in Nigeria are discussed.