Full course description
The Summer Institute in Global Mental Health (GMH) is a 6-day training program in the Group Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and the World Health Organization (WHO) Mental Health Gap (mhGap) Humanitarian Intervention Guide (HIG). This training is designed for mental health and allied specialists, non-specialists, and students working with populations exposed to severe adversities and trauma.
Through a combination of hands-on training, didactic presentations, case studies, live demonstrations, and experiential exercises, trainees will gain knowledge on four essential mental health care elements:
WHO Mental Health Gap Humanitarian Intervention Guide (mhGap-HIG)
The mhGAP-HIG provides non-specialists with first-line assessment and management recommendations in the face of humanitarian emergencies where treatment options are limited. It covers acute stress, grief, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, epilepsy, harmful substance use and risk of suicide.
Group Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT Group) & Additional Modules
IPT is an evidence-based treatment widely used for adolescents and adults struggling to adapt in the aftermath of adversity. IPT has been tested for feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and sustainability in a number of landmark randomized controlled trials. Both the WHO mhGAP and UNHCR guidelines recommend the manual as an effective first line of treatment for depression delivered by non-mental health specialists in low- and middle-income countries. On the World Mental Health Day (October 10th, 2016), the WHO launched a global dissemination of the Group IPT Manual. This document will serve as the guide for the current training.
Family Engagement Strategies
Family support during episodes of mental illness is critical for recovery. In many regions the stigma of mental illness results in withdrawal of family support during episodes, when the person needs it most. We will train on family engagement strategies, which families have found helpful in our work around the globe.
Management of Suicide Risk
Risk assessment and evidence-based brief psychosocial interventions to mitigate suicidal risk in emergency settings will be covered, with an emphasis on the Safety Planning Intervention (SPI). SPI is an evidence-based, stand-alone intervention that has its roots in a brief cognitive therapy (CT). It is designed to manage and mitigate the risk for suicide, especially in acute care settings, such as trauma centers, crisis hotlines, psychiatric inpatient units and emergency departments.
Dates: May 15 - 20, 2026
Times: 9:00am - 5:00pm EST each day
Format: Online Modules with Live Zoom Sessions (See dates and times above)
Price: $1,000
- 25% discount will specifically be offered to all students (Teachers College/Columbia University and non-Teachers College/Columbia University)
- 25% discount will specifically be offered to all Teachers College/Columbia University alum
- 25% discount will be offered on the registration cost to groups of 3 or more participating from the same institution.
- 50% discount will be offered to participants from Low- and Middle-Income Countries. To see if you qualify, click here.
- 50% discount will be offered to participants with disabilities or lived experiences.
Discounts cannot be combined and registrants will receive the best discounted price.
Please Note: This course is offered on a non-credit basis or for 3 credits. Registration for this course through TC Academy is for the non-credit offering and Academic Credits will not be awarded. For instructions on how to register for the credit offering see below.
For more information, questions, discounts or to register: Email tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu
This course can be taken for credit in accordance with TC's enrollment policies. If you are not a current student and would like to take this course for credit, please review the Non-Degree Application Instructions page on our website and proceed accordingly. Also, please note that if you plan to take this on a for-credit basis, college tuition and fees will apply. If you are a continuing student in a degree program and have approval from your advisor, you can register for this course beginning on May 4th. This course will follow summer registration and payment deadlines.