Introduction

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Humanitarian Settings Training Course addresses the unique mental health needs of individuals and communities affected by crises, such as conflicts, natural disasters, and displacement. It emphasizes the integration of psychosocial support into humanitarian response strategies to promote resilience, coping mechanisms, and long-term recovery. The course combines theory and practical approaches to MHPSS, helping humanitarian professionals to design, implement, and evaluate effective mental health interventions in emergencies.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will:

1. Understand the impact of crises on mental health: Learn about the psychological effects of disasters, conflict, and displacement on individuals and communities.
2. Identify MHPSS needs in emergencies: Understand how to assess the mental health and psychosocial needs of affected populations.
3. Design effective MHPSS interventions: Gain practical skills in designing and implementing MHPSS programs in humanitarian settings.
4. Implement culturally sensitive and ethical practices: Learn how to provide support in a culturally appropriate and ethical manner.
5. Build resilience and coping mechanisms: Promote mental health recovery and resilience in both affected populations and humanitarian responders.
6. Evaluate and monitor MHPSS programs: Gain the ability to assess, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of MHPSS interventions.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Humanitarian workers (including NGOs, UN agencies, and local government officials) involved in mental health and psychosocial support.
• Psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, and mental health professionals working in humanitarian settings.
• Program managers and coordinators in health and humanitarian response roles.
• Field workers and community health workers responsible for providing psychosocial support in emergency situations.
• Humanitarian response teams involved in trauma care, refugee support, and disaster relief.
• Students and academics interested in mental health, psychosocial support, and humanitarian aid.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Humanitarian Settings

• Morning Session: The Role of Mental Health in Humanitarian Crises
  • Overview of psychosocial support in humanitarian response: Definitions and key concepts.
  • Understanding the psychological impact of conflict, natural disasters, and displacement.
  • The relationship between mental health and physical health in crisis settings.
  • The role of resilience and coping mechanisms during emergencies.
  • Case study: The psychological aftermath of the Syrian refugee crisis.
• Afternoon Session: Mental Health Needs Assessment
  • Understanding how to assess mental health and psychosocial needs in emergencies.
  • Tools and methodologies for conducting rapid mental health assessments.
  • Analyzing the psychosocial consequences of displacement, trauma, and loss.
  • Identifying vulnerable populations: Women, children, survivors of sexual violence, and elderly.
  • Group activity: Develop a rapid assessment tool for a humanitarian crisis scenario.

Day 2: Designing and Implementing Psychosocial Support Programs

• Morning Session: Key Interventions in Psychosocial Support
  • Overview of psychosocial interventions: Psychological first aid (PFA), community-based support, and individual therapy.
  • Designing group interventions: Support groups, community healing programs, and peer support.
  • Addressing children’s mental health: Safe spaces, play therapy, and educational support.
  • Case study: Psychosocial support for children in post-earthquake Nepal (2015).
• Afternoon Session: Implementing MHPSS Programs in Emergency Contexts
  • Practical steps for implementing MHPSS programs in emergencies: Coordination, logistics, and staffing.
  • Providing support for humanitarian responders: Addressing secondary trauma, burnout, and mental health of field workers.
  • Culturally sensitive and context-specific approaches to MHPSS.
  • Group activity: Design a psychosocial support program for a specific crisis (e.g., refugee camp, disaster zone).

Day 3: Advanced Topics in Psychosocial Support and Mental Health

• Morning Session: Specialized Mental Health Support
  • Addressing complex mental health issues: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety in crisis settings.
  • Providing care for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV): Trauma-informed approaches.
  • The role of counseling, therapeutic interventions, and psychotropic medications in crisis contexts.
  • Case study: Mental health interventions for sexual violence survivors in conflict zones.
• Afternoon Session: Integrating Mental Health into Humanitarian Response
  • Strategies for integrating mental health support into broader humanitarian programs (health, education, protection).
  • Working with local communities and partners to ensure access to mental health care.
  • Ensuring accessibility to mental health services for marginalized and remote populations.
  • Group activity: Develop a multi-sectoral approach to integrating mental health into a disaster response program.

Day 4: Ethical Considerations and Cultural Sensitivity in MHPSS

• Morning Session: Ethical Challenges in Psychosocial Support
  • Understanding the ethical implications of providing psychosocial care in crisis settings.
  • Confidentiality and informed consent in humanitarian contexts.
  • Balancing immediate needs with long-term care in emergencies.
  • Managing risk of harm: Addressing secondary trauma in caregivers and mental health stigma.
  • Case study: Ethical dilemmas in mental health treatment during the Rwandan Genocide.
• Afternoon Session: Culturally Sensitive Approaches to MHPSS
  • Understanding cultural differences in mental health perceptions and practices.
  • Designing culturally appropriate interventions: Working with local leaders and faith-based organizations.
  • Integrating traditional healing practices with formal mental health services.
  • Group exercise: Designing a culturally sensitive MHPSS program for a crisis scenario.

Day 5: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Long-Term Recovery in MHPSS Programs

• Morning Session: Monitoring and Evaluating MHPSS Programs
  • Importance of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in MHPSS programming.
  • Developing M&E frameworks: Key indicators for assessing program impact and effectiveness.
  • Tools and methodologies for collecting data on mental health outcomes.
  • Case study: M&E in psychosocial programs in South Sudan.
• Afternoon Session: Long-Term Mental Health and Psychosocial Recovery
  • Addressing long-term mental health needs during recovery and reconstruction phases.
  • Strengthening community resilience through psychosocial support.
  • Advocacy and policy development for integrating mental health into post-crisis recovery strategies.
  • Group project: Develop a long-term mental health recovery strategy for a post-crisis context.