Training on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Humanitarian Crises

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in humanitarian crises is essential for protecting psychological well-being and strengthening community resilience in disaster- and conflict-affected settings. Individuals exposed to conflict, displacement, epidemics, or natural disasters often experience trauma, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and social disruption, particularly vulnerable groups like children, women, and displaced populations.

MHPSS integrates culturally sensitive interventions with health, protection, and education services, aiming to restore social functioning, reduce distress, and foster recovery. Effective programs require multi-sectoral coordination, context-specific strategies, and alignment with international standards, including the guidance of the World Health Organization and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee on MHPSS in emergencies.

This 10-day training equips participants with practical tools to plan, implement, and evaluate MHPSS interventions in humanitarian contexts. The curriculum covers needs assessment, community-based approaches, clinical integration, program management, monitoring and evaluation, and safeguarding principles. Participants gain hands-on experience through case studies, scenario simulations, and applied exercises to develop skills for delivering high-quality, context-appropriate psychosocial services.

By the end of the course, professionals will be able to design and manage MHPSS programs that enhance recovery, resilience, and long-term well-being of affected populations.

Duration

10 Days

Who Should Attend

• Humanitarian program managers

• Health and social workers

• NGO and UN agency staff

• Community outreach workers

• Psychologists and counselors

• Emergency response coordinators

Individual Impact

• Understand MHPSS principles in emergencies
• Improve trauma-informed care skills
• Strengthen community engagement capacity
• Enhance program design expertise
• Build coordination and referral skills

Organizational Impact

• Stronger MHPSS program quality
• Improved crisis response effectiveness
• Better integration of mental health services
• Increased community resilience
• Enhanced protection of vulnerable populations

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain MHPSS frameworks and standards
• Conduct psychosocial needs assessments
• Design community-based MHPSS programs
• Integrate mental health services into humanitarian response
• Monitor and evaluate MHPSS interventions

Module 1: Introduction to MHPSS in Humanitarian Settings

• Concepts of mental health and psychosocial support
• Impact of crises on mental well-being
• International MHPSS guidelines and standards
• Multi-sectoral coordination
• Practical Exercise: Mapping MHPSS needs in emergencies

Module 2: Psychosocial Needs Assessment

• Assessment tools and methods
• Identifying vulnerable groups
• Cultural and contextual considerations
• Ethical principles
• Case Study: Conducting an MHPSS assessment in a crisis zone

Module 3: Community-Based MHPSS Approaches

• Strengthening social support systems
• Community mobilization
• Peer support groups
• Child-friendly spaces
• Practical Exercise: Designing a community MHPSS program

Module 4: Psychological First Aid (PFA)

• Principles of PFA
• Immediate response techniques
• Supporting survivors respectfully
• Referral mechanisms
• Case Study: Applying PFA in emergency situations

Module 5: Integrating Mental Health into Health Services

• Basic clinical care for mental health conditions
• Referral pathways
• Task-shifting approaches
• Working with primary healthcare providers
• Practical Exercise: Developing integration plans

Module 6: Specialized Mental Health Interventions

• Managing trauma and stress disorders
• Counseling and therapy models
• Care for children and adolescents
• Support for survivors of violence
• Case Study: Delivering focused mental health services

Module 7: Coordination and Partnerships

• Inter-agency coordination mechanisms
• MHPSS working groups
• Linkages with protection and education sectors
• Information sharing
• Practical Exercise: Building coordination frameworks

Module 8: Monitoring and Evaluation of MHPSS Programs

• Outcome indicators
• Data collection tools
• Quality assurance
• Learning and adaptation
• Case Study: Evaluating MHPSS program impact

Module 9: Staff Care and Burnout Prevention

• Stress management for humanitarian workers
• Organizational support systems
• Peer support approaches
• Self-care strategies
• Practical Exercise: Developing staff well-being plans

Module 10: Sustainability and Long-Term Recovery

• Transition from emergency to development
• Strengthening local capacity
• Policy and system integration
• Long-term MHPSS planning
• Practical Exercise: Creating a recovery roadmap