Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Program Design Training Course

Introduction

Mental health and psychosocial well-being are critical components of humanitarian and development responses, particularly in contexts of conflict, disasters, and displacement. NGOs and practitioners must be equipped to design and implement MHPSS programs that address diverse needs effectively.

This course provides participants with a thorough understanding of mental health principles, psychosocial support strategies, and evidence-based interventions for crisis-affected populations. It emphasizes culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches to care.

Participants will learn to assess community and individual mental health needs, identify risk and protective factors, and tailor interventions for children, adolescents, adults, and vulnerable groups.

Program design skills are central to effective MHPSS delivery. The course covers frameworks, guidelines, and tools for developing interventions that integrate mental health care into broader humanitarian and development programs.

Monitoring, evaluation, and learning are essential for program accountability and improvement. Participants will gain practical skills in measuring impact, tracking outcomes, and adapting programs based on evidence.

Through case studies, simulations, and participatory exercises, participants will develop the expertise to design, implement, and scale MHPSS programs that strengthen resilience, promote well-being, and foster community recovery.

Who Should Attend

• MHPSS Program Coordinators and Managers
• Psychologists, Counselors, and Social Workers
• NGO and Humanitarian Staff in Crisis Settings
• Health and Community Development Officers
• Child Protection and Safeguarding Practitioners
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officers
• Policy and Advocacy Officers in Mental Health
• Disaster Response and Resilience Specialists
• Consultants supporting MHPSS programs
• Government and Local Authority Health Officers

Duration

5 Days

Course Objectives

• Understand foundational concepts in mental health and psychosocial support
• Assess community and individual psychosocial needs
• Design culturally sensitive and inclusive MHPSS programs
• Integrate MHPSS into humanitarian and development interventions
• Apply evidence-based frameworks and guidelines for program design
• Strengthen monitoring, evaluation, and learning for MHPSS programs
• Develop interventions for children, youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Promote community resilience, recovery, and well-being
• Enhance stakeholder engagement and multi-sector coordination
• Utilize innovative tools and digital approaches to support program delivery

Comprehensive Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

• Principles and definitions of mental health and psychosocial support
• Global standards and guidelines (e.g., IASC MHPSS Guidelines)
• Rights-based and inclusive approaches
• Cultural and contextual considerations in MHPSS

Module 2: Needs Assessment and Context Analysis

• Rapid and comprehensive psychosocial assessments
• Identifying risk and protective factors
• Vulnerable groups and equity considerations
• Stakeholder mapping and coordination

Module 3: Program Design and Strategic Planning

• Developing MHPSS objectives and outcomes
• Integrating MHPSS into broader humanitarian programs
• Logical frameworks and Theory of Change
• Resource planning and budgeting

Module 4: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Interventions

• Age-appropriate psychosocial activities
• Trauma-informed care and supportive practices
• School-based MHPSS programs
• Referral pathways and specialist care

Module 5: Adult and Community-Focused Interventions

• Community-based psychosocial support
• Group therapy and peer support mechanisms
• Addressing stigma and promoting well-being
• Resilience-building approaches

Module 6: Crisis and Emergency MHPSS Responses

• Psychological first aid (PFA)
• Emergency preparedness and response planning
• Humanitarian ethics and do-no-harm principles
• Rapid deployment and team coordination

Module 7: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

• MHPSS indicators and outcome measurement
• Data collection and impact evaluation
• Adaptive learning and program improvement
• Reporting to donors and stakeholders

Module 8: Policy, Governance, and Multi-Sector Collaboration

• National and international MHPSS policies
• NGO coordination mechanisms
• Integrating health, protection, and education sectors
• Advocacy and stakeholder engagement

Module 9: Innovation, Digital Tools, and Technology in MHPSS

• E-mental health and telepsychology approaches
• Digital monitoring and data management
• Mobile-based psychosocial interventions
• Innovative tools to enhance program reach

Module 10: Capstone Practical Application

• Designing a complete MHPSS program proposal
• Scenario-based exercises and simulations
• Peer learning and feedback sessions
• Strategies for scaling and sustainability

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, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, 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.