About Course

Mental Health & Psychosocial Support in Emergencies Training

Overview

The Expedition

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Emergencies Training Program provides a structured framework for delivering support in crisis environments. The program builds capacity to recognize psychological distress, apply appropriate support techniques and strengthen community coping systems during emergencies. Crises caused by conflict, natural disasters or health outbreaks can disrupt social networks and affect emotional well-being.

This comprehensive program provides participants with an in-depth understanding of global MHPSS frameworks, psychosocial intervention models, trauma-informed care, community-based approaches, and referral systems. The course draws from the IASC Guidelines on MHPSS in Emergency Settings, integrating evidence-based practices that promote culturally appropriate, inclusive, and sustainable mental health and psychosocial support.

Objectives

By the end of this Mental Health & Psychosocial Support in Emergencies Training Course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles, framework, and global guidelines governing MHPSS in emergencies.
• Identify psychosocial needs and protection risks among affected populations, including vulnerable groups.
• Design, implement, and evaluate community-based MHPSS programs.
• Apply trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches to emergency response.
• Strengthen coordination and referral mechanisms between MHPSS actors and health, protection, and education sectors.
• Promote resilience, recovery, and well-being at individual, family, and community levels.

Target Audience:

This course is ideal for:

Humanitarian practitioners and field officers

MHPSS coordinators and case workers

Health and protection officers

Community development and social workers

Program managers and emergency response teams

Staff from NGOs, INGOs, and government agencies

Counsellors, psychologists, and psychosocial support specialists

Duration

Classroom: 5 Days

Online: 7 Days

TRAINING MODULES

1: Introduction to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergencies

•Overview of MHPSS in humanitarian contexts
• Global frameworks and IASC Guidelines on MHPSS
• The continuum of care: from basic psychosocial support to specialized services
• Understanding the impact of crises on mental health and social well-being
• Principles and ethics of MHPSS interventions

2: Assessing Mental Health and Psychosocial Needs

• Conducting rapid assessments and needs analyses
• Mapping community resources and existing support systems
• Identifying vulnerable groups and protection risks
• Participatory approaches to needs identification
• Tools and methods for data collection and analysis in MHPSS

3: Community-Based Psychosocial Support

• Designing community-based MHPSS interventions
• Strengthening community structures and coping mechanisms
• Supporting children, youth, and families in crisis settings
• Role of faith-based and traditional support systems
• Integrating psychosocial support with education, livelihoods, and protection programs

4: Trauma-Informed Care and Case Management

• Understanding psychological trauma and stress responses
• Principles of trauma-informed care and psychosocial first aid (PFA)
• Case management and referral pathways for MHPSS services
• Supporting frontline staff and preventing burnout
• Confidentiality, ethical practice, and do-no-harm principles

5: Coordination, Monitoring, and Evaluation of MHPSS Programs

• Coordination mechanisms for MHPSS actors and sectors
• Developing MHPSS indicators and monitoring tools
• Quality assurance and accountability in service delivery
• Reporting, documentation, and evidence-based advocacy
• Learning, knowledge sharing, and sustainability strategies

Delivery Method

This program is taught through a mix of practical activities, theory, group work and case studies. Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.