Integrating Mental Health into Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Course

Introduction
Mental health is critical for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), influencing health, education, gender equality, economic growth, and social inclusion. This course equips participants to integrate mental health strategies across SDG initiatives effectively.
Participants will explore the intersections between mental health and SDGs, examining how psychological wellbeing drives productivity, reduces inequalities, and strengthens communities. The course provides a framework for linking mental health programs with national and global development agendas.
The course emphasizes evidence-based interventions, policy alignment, and programmatic integration. Participants will learn to design mental health initiatives that contribute to multiple SDGs, including poverty reduction, quality education, gender equality, and sustainable economic growth.
Special attention is given to vulnerable populations and equity considerations, ensuring mental health interventions address the needs of marginalized groups. Participants will learn inclusive approaches that bridge gaps in access and reduce social and structural barriers.
The course also covers monitoring, evaluation, and impact measurement for mental health programs within SDG frameworks. Participants will gain skills to assess outcomes, report progress, and advocate for sustainable integration of mental health into national and sectoral strategies.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to develop, implement, and evaluate mental health interventions aligned with SDGs, foster multisectoral collaboration, and drive systemic change that advances sustainable development while promoting psychological wellbeing globally.

Who Should Attend

• Policy makers and government officials working on SDGs and health
• Mental health professionals, psychologists, and counselors
• NGO and development agency staff implementing SDG programs
• Social workers and community development practitioners
• Public health officers and program managers
• Researchers and academics in health, development, and social policy
• Educators and vocational trainers integrating mental health into curriculum
• International development consultants and SDG advisors
• HR and corporate sustainability officers in SDG-aligned organizations
• Trainers and facilitators delivering mental health and development programs

Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

• Understand the role of mental health in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
• Build capacity to integrate mental health strategies across SDG sectors and initiatives effectively.
• Strengthen skills to design evidence-based interventions aligned with development and wellbeing outcomes.
• Improve knowledge of equity and inclusion considerations in SDG-focused mental health programs.
• Enhance capacity to advocate for policy, funding, and programs supporting mental health and SDGs.
• Develop skills to monitor, evaluate, and report the impact of mental health interventions on SDG outcomes.
• Foster multisectoral collaboration to integrate mental health into education, health, and economic programs.
• Build strategies to address mental health challenges among vulnerable and marginalized populations.
• Strengthen ability to link mental health programming with national and global development frameworks.
• Equip participants to lead sustainable initiatives promoting psychological wellbeing and social development.

Comprehensive Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Mental Health and SDGs

• Overview of SDGs and their relevance to mental health.
• Key indicators linking mental health to development outcomes.
• Global and national mental health priorities.
• Understanding systemic integration and policy alignment.

Module 2: Mental Health and Poverty Reduction (SDG 1)

• Psychological impacts of poverty and economic stress.
• Mental health interventions targeting low-income populations.
• Integrating mental wellbeing into poverty reduction programs.
• Monitoring and measuring outcomes for sustainable impact.

Module 3: Mental Health and Health Systems (SDG 3)

• Strengthening mental health services within public health systems.
• Evidence-based care for community and primary health integration.
• Access, equity, and quality in mental health provision.
• Resilience and preparedness during health crises.

Module 4: Mental Health and Education (SDG 4)

• Mental wellbeing in schools and universities.
• Social-emotional learning and youth mental health interventions.
• Teacher and staff capacity building.
• Program evaluation and evidence-based education interventions.

Module 5: Gender Equality and Mental Health (SDG 5)

• Intersection of gender, mental health, and social norms.
• Supporting women, girls, and gender-diverse populations.
• Reducing gender-based barriers to mental health care.
• Advocacy and policy alignment for gender-inclusive interventions.

Module 6: Decent Work, Economic Growth, and Mental Health (SDG 8)

• Psychosocial impacts of employment and informal work.
• Workplace mental health programs and stress management.
• Promoting productivity through wellbeing interventions.
• Integrating mental health into workforce development initiatives.

Module 7: Reducing Inequalities and Social Inclusion (SDG 10)

• Addressing mental health among marginalized and vulnerable groups.
• Policies to reduce social and health inequities.
• Community-based interventions and participatory approaches.
• Monitoring and evaluation of inclusive programs.

Module 8: Partnerships and Multisectoral Approaches (SDG 17)

• Collaboration across sectors and stakeholders.
• Public-private partnerships for mental health initiatives.
• Aligning NGO, governmental, and international programs.
• Developing sustainable and scalable interventions.

Module 9: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Key indicators for mental health within SDG frameworks.
• Designing data collection and analysis systems.
• Reporting outcomes and program impact.
• Feedback loops for continuous improvement and policy influence.

Module 10: Case Studies and Practical Application

• Real-world examples of mental health-SDG integration.
• Scenario-based problem-solving exercises.
• Designing and implementing SDG-aligned mental health initiatives.
• Action plans for sustainable impact and community resilience.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, airport transfers, Upskill gift package, guided tour and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better