Organization: Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs
Registration deadline: 25 Sep 2016
Starting date: 09 Oct 2016
Ending date: 19 Oct 2016
Course Description: The Mental Health in Complex Emergencies (MHCE) course is a week-long training course for mental health professionals and program staff who wish to establish mental health or psychosocial programs in a humanitarian context within conflict and post-conflict areas.
The course will aim to provide a practical orientation and training, including how to conduct rapid assessments, design and set up mental health services or psychosocial programs (exploring the differences between them), and undertake clinical work and therapeutic approaches in non-western contexts. It addresses the issues of cultural validity, programming for children, addressing severe mental disorders, gender-based violence, human rights, taking care of oneself and dealing with burnout. The course will also introduce potential field workers to essentials such as personal security, logistics, and practical aspects of humanitarian work in the field.
The MHCE training program targets health, and other professionals, wishing to gain a better understanding of what is entailed in addressing mental health and psychosocial issues in complex emergencies and humanitarian settings.
The technical standards of a humanitarian intervention have considerable importance in achieving short-term results, including maximizing survival rates. However, a clear understanding of the psychosocial context in which the intervention is being undertaken is essential if longer-term goals are to be properly set and achieved. Much of the psychosocial training currently being undertaken is based on remedial action to counter psychosocial dysfunction resulting from disaster. There is observational and anecdotal evidence that individuals and communities can show enhanced psychosocial functionality during and following some disasters. If dependency is to be avoided and a smooth, rapid return to independence from humanitarian assistance is to be encouraged, then the factors at work must be clearly understood.
Students are exposed to both the most recent academic thought on these matters as well as the experience of field practitioners. Students are also sensitized to the non-material aspects of humanitarian assistance and achieve an understanding of the importance of clearly planning assistance within its psychosocial context. This module emphasizes the well-being of the beneficiaries as considered in the recent 'IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings' developed by WHO, UN and local and international agencies working in the field of psychosocial assistance.
To learn more about this course, check out the individual course listingon our website
Cost: There is a course fee of $1,600. Students who complete the course will earn two credit hours through Fordham University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. For those who do not wish to receive formal academic credit, there is a reduced cost of $913 USD.
About the IIHA:The Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) at Fordham University offers humanitarian training courses in various locations around the world. With the creation of a Masters in Humanitarian Action (MIHA), the Institute offers a flexible yet academically rigorous training model for aid practitioners looking to further their knowledge and skills in the humanitarian sector.
How to register:
All of the IIHA short courses can be taken for academic credit and counted towards Fordham University's Masters in International Humanitarian Action (MIHA) or taken individually, independent from the MIHA at a reduced cost.
To take this course, please apply here
To view a complete list of IIHA course offerings, click here