I think we are currently very uncertain about this, so there is a large value of information to be gained from supporting the evalution of interventions and charities in this space, like the Happier Lives Institute is doing. If you additionally believe they will do good research, supporting them is probably more impactful than supporting charities doing direct work currently.
(Disclaimer: I was involved in (only) the very early stages of setting up this institute)
When you believe current mental health charities are ineffective, you might also want to investigate supporting the founding of a new mental health charity (if you believe mental health charities can be more effective), though this is harder to do as a small donor. You could potentially support Charity Entrepreneurship if they decide to focus on mental health.
I think we are currently very uncertain about this, so there is a large value of information to be gained from supporting the evalution of interventions and charities in this space, like the Happier Lives Institute is doing. If you additionally believe they will do good research, supporting them is probably more impactful than supporting charities doing direct work currently.
(Disclaimer: I was involved in (only) the very early stages of setting up this institute)
When you believe current mental health charities are ineffective, you might also want to investigate supporting the founding of a new mental health charity (if you believe mental health charities can be more effective), though this is harder to do as a small donor. You could potentially support Charity Entrepreneurship if they decide to focus on mental health.