A Strategic Initiative for Mental Health Development

The University of Duhok (UoD) and Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) in Germany have established a pioneering collaboration aimed at addressing mental health challenges in Northern Iraq. This project, titled “Psychotherapy Education and Training Psychotherapists in Northern Iraq,” aligns with UoD’s strategic goals of capacity building, academic excellence, and community resilience, fostering international academic collaboration to support mental health services in conflict-affected regions.

Key Objectives of the Partnership

1. Establishing the Institute for Psychotherapy and Trauma Studies

• Develop a dedicated Psychotherapy and Trauma Studies Department at UoD.

• Create a sustainable academic structure for psychotherapy education.

• Provide culturally sensitive training modules for professionals.

2. Training Mental Health Specialists

• Train an initial cohort of 30 therapists, with 50% becoming trainers.

• Implement theory and practical training with international academic standards.

• Offer specialized treatment programs for trauma-affected individuals.

3. Implementing E-Learning for Sustainable Training

• Develop interactive e-learning modules to ensure continuous education.

• Provide an online knowledge-sharing platform for trainees and professionals.

• Support blended learning methods to enhance accessibility.

4. Building Local and International Networks

• Foster collaborations with health professionals, NGOs, and governmental bodies.

• Establish a network of mental health specialists to expand services in Iraq.

• Strengthen transcultural knowledge exchange between Germany and Kurdistan.

Impact on the University of Duhok

This partnership marks a major step toward advancing mental health education and services in the Kurdistan Region. Key benefits include:

• Strengthening UoD’s role as a leader in psychotherapy education.

• Providing essential mental health services for conflict-affected populations.

• Expanding research collaborations in clinical psychology and trauma therapy.

• Training future leaders in psychotherapy, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Collaborating Partners

• University of Duhok (Iraq)

• Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW, Germany)

• Tuebingen University (Germany)

• Directorate General of Health, Duhok (Iraq)

Key Activities & Milestones

Academic Exchange & Training Programs

• Faculty & Student Exchange: Collaborative research and teaching experiences.

• Study Visits to Germany: Exposure to advanced psychotherapy methodologies.

• Workshops & Conferences: International forums on mental health best practices.

Research & Development

• Joint research initiatives in trauma therapy and transcultural psychiatry.

• Publications & case studies to document program impact.

• Establishing a model for mental health education in conflict-affected regions.

Sustainability & Future Growth

• Developing a long-term strategy for continuous mental health training.

• Integrating trauma therapy education into UoD’s academic programs.

• Expanding e-learning modules to support future trainees and professionals.

Join Us in This Transformative Initiative

The University of Duhok welcomes academic institutions, NGOs, and mental health professionals to collaborate on this vital mission. Together, we can shape the future of psychotherapy education and trauma treatment in Northern Iraq.

For further details, contact the Directorate of International Relations (DOIR) or explore more at DOIR’s partnership webpage.