Global training ACADEMY
For mental health and psychosocial support interventions and approaches
Stay tuned!
We are a team of researchers from the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, supported by partners from a variety of humanitarian organizations and other academic institutions.
Over the past months, we have explored how to establish a training academy to build capacity in scalable mental health and psychosocial (MHPSS) interventions globally so more people affected by crises can access needed support.
The study showed that there is clearly an overwhelming demand for training and capacity building in scalable MHPSS interventions and approaches. Therefore, we are now taking concrete steps towards establishing a global MHPSS training academy! We welcome any suggestions for potential funding opportunities to support the establishment of the academy. Please follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming opportunities and future developments.
We are looking forward to shaping the future of scalable MHPSS interventions and approaches with you!
Research Team
Lead researcher for study
Business Developer IXA-GO
Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychology
Postdoctoral Researcher
Full Professor Clinical Psychology
Master's/Graduate Student
What are scalable mental health and psychosocial support interventions and approaches?
We are facing a global mental health gap where most people who need mental health treatment or support are not able to access this. This is particularly true in humanitarian crisis and low and middle income settings, where mental health professionals are scarce.
Scalable MHPSS interventions are approaches to improve mental health and psychosocial well-being that can be easily adapted and implemented to reach a large number of individuals efficiently. These interventions and approaches are designed to be accessible, cost-effective, and able to address a variety of mental health concerns.
They are brief, non-specialist-delivered versions of existing evidence-based psychological treatments, such as basic versions of cognitive behavioural therapy or interpersonal therapy. They are modified so they can be delivered by non-specialists, or as self-help interventions, or through using mobile devices (digital interventions).
Effectiveness studies across various settings have shown that they work well in reducing or preventing common mental health problems, to ensure they are evidence-based, reliable and safe.
Common features of most scalable MHPSS interventions is they are
A number of scalable MHPSS interventions and approaches have been developed and are in use throughout the world. Some examples are:
Exploring the need for a global training academy
As most of the scalable MHPSS interventions follow structured, manualized approaches, they require training and practice, even for highly qualified mental health professionals. The length of training can vary according to background and expertise, but it is helpful for all people who train others, supervise, or deliver scalable interventions, to take part in training to learn the format and structure of the interventions.
Scaling up access to mental health and psychosocial support therefore involves building competencies and skills of trainers who can help to build competencies and skills of others to deliver the interventions. Such efforts are currently taking place all over the world, by different institutions or organizations. However, there is no global institution or organization coordinating such training or providing services to assure quality of training, supervision, and other capacity building activities.
In the feasibility study, we therefore explored:
- What are the current needs for training in scalable MHPSS interventions?
- What are the best methods for addressing these needs?
The study report is currently being drafted. Please stay tuned for key findings once finalised!
Supporting partners
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