The National Mental Health Programme

Executive Summary

We can all play a role in promoting and safeguarding mental health for all population groups and in supporting individuals going through difficult times. This strategy serves as a seven-year roadmap aimed at guiding the Ministry of Public Health and all relevant stakeholders while mobilizing efforts to improve mental health in Lebanon. In Lebanon, in particular, improving mental health also requires addressing the social, economic, and political factors that negatively impact mental well-being and hinder the recovery process.

The strategy was developed using a comprehensive approach to address key issues. First, an assessment of the mental health situation in the country was conducted, including the burden of diseases, needs, and an evaluation of the existing system’s ability to meet these needs. Previous efforts were also reviewed to identify areas that need to be maintained and those requiring improvement. Furthermore, consultations were held with experts and local stakeholders, including individuals with lived experiences, to help set strategic priorities. The strategy was also guided by international frameworks, including World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and other evidence-based recommendations. Special care was taken to select approaches that are appropriate and adaptable to the local context. Finally, the strategy was published and made available to the public for feedback and revisions.

The strategy addresses all fundamental aspects of the mental health system to enhance overall mental well-being and prevent mental disorders, with a focus on the following key areas:

Raising awareness about mental health, reducing misconceptions, and implementing evidence-based interventions to prevent mental health issues. This includes emphasizing the importance of addressing political, social, and economic factors that influence mental health.
Empowering individuals by providing them with the resources, knowledge, and skills necessary to protect their mental well-being and ensuring access to available services when needed.
Ensuring that individuals with mental health disorders can access high-quality care whenever they need it, regardless of their place of residence.
Supporting healthcare providers and all professionals in the field by building their capacity based on evidence-based practices and helping them safeguard their own mental health.
Preventing and reducing harmful practices that violate human rights and quality standards in the provision of mental health services.
Enhancing data availability and conducting valuable research to guide and support efforts to improve mental health across the country.
Establishing legal frameworks, policies, and appropriate funding mechanisms to strengthen the mental health system.
Integrating the views, perspectives, and preferences of individuals with lived experiences in the design, development, and implementation of services, policies, and practices.

Specific actions have been planned for each of these key areas to ensure the necessary improvements in the country.

National Mental Health Strategy 2024-2030 (Please click on this link to download the document)

Theory of Change Map (Please click on this link to download the document)

Executive Summary (English, French, Arabic)

The National Mental Health Programme’s internal resources can be found in this section.

Humanitarian Crises Responses

Videos

Syrian Crisis

Suicide

Substance Use

Step-by-Step (SBS)

Response to National Emergencies (i.e. Beirut Blast, COVID-19, etc.)

Research and Publications

Psychotropic Medications

Newsletters

National Strategy and Related Documents

Mental Health Professionals

Mental Health Diploma

Mental Health Conditions - Awareness

Mental Health Campaigns – National

Laws and Regulations

Guiding Documents for Capacity Building

Mental Health Campaigns – National

Emergency Response Medical Team

Help Seeking

Clinical Management of Rape

ATLAS

Self-care

AIMS

Step by Step

Self-Help+ Podcast

4Ws Online Platform

1564, The Lifeline

In response to the escalating situation and war on Lebanon, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has developed and is currently implementing with all stakeholders the:
“National Intersectoral MHPSS Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan: In the Context of the Risk of War on Lebanon "

Developed through a collaborative approach by the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) with the support of the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and all MHPSS Stakeholders (please refer to the action plan for a full list), this comprehensive plan outlines a proactive approach to anticipating, mitigating, and responding to the psychosocial impacts by focusing on early intervention and support to minimize the adverse effects on individuals, healthcare personnel and communities. It underscores the commitment of the MoPH and the NMHP to safeguard mental health and respond timely and effectively to the psychosocial needs of all populations residing in Lebanon during times of crisis while promoting their resilience.

Key Features of the Plan:

Continuity of MHPSS Services: The plan highlights actions to ensure the continued availability and accessibility of MHPSS services across Lebanon.
Assurance of Psychotropic Medications: The plan emphasizes ensuring the continuous supply and access to psychotropic medications to all old and new beneficiaries.
Communication and Messaging: The plan prioritizes the development and dissemination of key messages and tips on topics related to mental health and well-being that would promote community resilience.
Training and Capacity Building: The plan places a strong emphasis on training healthcare professionals and frontline responders in MHPSS principles and practices to provide effective support to service users and providers.

The MoPH is implementing this action plan with all stakeholders, including governmental bodies, local authorities and municipalities, non-governmental organizations, healthcare providers, frontliners, and the international community - Please do reach out if your organization is interested to join in implementing this crucial plan and working together to ensure the mental health and psychosocial support of Lebanon’s residents during times of adversity.

Kindly find a selection of valuable links below:

Registration link for PFA Trainings: https://forms.gle/NzJe3mEYynuCKemr6
Key messages and videos: Link
4Ws platform: https://mhis.nmhp-lb.com/#/account/login

Form to be Filled by Psychiatrists in the Primary Health Care Centers when Prescribing for Specialized Psychotropic Medication

List of PHCCS Within the MoPH Network that Have an Operating Psychiatrist

To view list, click here: Link

Note: "Only psychologists who are members of the order are entitled to practice their profession on the Lebanese territories, provided they are issued a licence to practice their profession in Lebanon from the Ministry of Public Health."

National action plan for the mental health and psychosocial support response to Beirut Explosion Disaster

Tipsheet- for OBYN and Midwives following Beirut Explosion

Directory of mental health professionals for mental health support for persons affected by Beirut explosion

HOW TO HELP CHILDREN COPE WITH A TRAUMATIC EVENT

HOW TO SUPPORT SOMEONE AFTER A TRAUMATIC EVENT- TIPS BASED ON PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID

National Campaign to Address Stigma Related to COVID-19

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) through the National Mental Health Programme, UNICEF, UNDP, the World Health Organization and Abaad have joined forces together to break the st...

Mental health support system for persons in quarantine

Tips to cope with stress during COVID-19

National Action Plan for the MHPSS Response to COVID-19

Laws and Regulations in mental health in Lebanon

Type	Signature	Number	Date	Topic	Document
Circular	Minister of Public Health	9	9-3-2022	Related to providing specialized mental health medications in primary health care centers	Circular Number 9: Related to providing specialized mental health medications in primary health care centers
Decision	Minister of Public Health	271/1	25/02/2019	Related to the Assessment of the Health Status of Patients Transferred from Al-Fanar Hospital	Decision Number 271/1: Related to the Assessment of the Health Status of Patients Transferred from Al-Fanar Hospital
Decision	Minister of Public Health	270/1	25/02/2019	Related to the Quality of Care and Human Rights in the Field of Mental Health	Decision Number 270/1: Related to the Quality of Care of Human Rights in the Field of Mental Health
Circular	Director General	60	20/06/2018	Related to the rational prescription of medication for priority mental and neurological conditions for specialists in the public health system	Circular Number 60: Related to the rational prescription of medication for priority mental and neurological conditions for specialists in the public health system
Circular	Director General	112	27/11/2018	Related to limiting the practice of the profession of psychologist in healthcare and educational institutions exclusively to professionals who have the license to practice from the Ministry of Public Health	Circular Number 112: Related to limiting the practice of the profession of psychologist in healthcare and educational institutions exclusively to professionals who have the license to practice from the Ministry of Public Health
Circular	Director General	113	22/11/2018	Related to the mandatory licensing for the practice of the profession of Psychologist (clinical and educational)	Circular number 113: related to the mandatory licensing for the practice of the profession of Psychologist (clinical and educational)
Decision	Minister of Public Health	1155	19-06-2018	Decision related to the National Mental Health Programme	Decision number 1155: related to the National Mental Health Programme
Circular	Director General	22	09-03-2018	Regulation of studies and research in the field of mental health and psychosocial support	Circular number 22: related to the regulation of studies and research in the field of mental health and psychosocial support
Annexe		1320/1	02-2018	Guidelines issued by the National Mental Health Program in the Ministry of Public Health regarding the necessary procedures and documents needed to obtain a license to practice clinical and non-clinical (educational) psychology profession.	Guidelines issued by the National Mental Health Program in the Ministry of Public Health regarding the necessary procedures and documents needed to obtain a license to practice clinical and non-clinical (educational) psychology profession.
Circular	Director General	48	12-06-2017	Regulation of research in the field of mental health	Circular number 48: Related to the regulation of research in the field of mental health
Circular	Director General	64	12-06-2017	Projects related to MHPSS and substance use in Lebanon	Circular number 64: Projects related to MHPSS and substance use in Lebanon
Circular	Director General	46	22-03-2016	Request to hospitals to not report on overdose	Circular number 46: related to the request to hospitals to not report on overdose
Circular	Director General	66	20-6-2025	Regarding Specialized Mental Health Medications	Circular number 66: Concerning Specialized Mental Health Medications

National Initiative for Mental Health in the Workplace

The National Initiative for Mental health in the workplace was launched on September 18, 2019 by the Ministry of Public Health.

Why?
Several factors affect our mental health, be it personal, social or professional with impacts which can be both positive or negative. Thus, what is the link between mental health and the workplace? In fact, we spend most of our lives at work and work in and by itself protects us from mental disorders. However, a mentally unhealthy work environment - that is, one that is loaded with stress and poor managerial and organizational practices which affect the mental health of staff - can increase the risk of mental disorders, especially depression, anxiety disorders, or substance use disorders. An unhealthy work environment, through its impact on staff, can increase staff absenteeism and turnover and cause low productivity levels, all in all translating into major economic losses. On the other hand, workplaces which promote and protect mental health score high levels of productivity and return on investments through interventions aimed at promoting mental health in the workplace.

Objective:
To support employers to ensure mentally healthy workplaces for them, their teams and their business to thrive.

How?
This initiative includes:

A National Charter for mental health in the workplace:

Statement of intent, which employers are encouraged to sign, which outlines the key principles and procedures to be implemented by employers if they want to be on the right track and commit themselves to the protection and promotion of mental health in their workplace. By signing the Charter and pledging to implement it, employers are taking a major step towards the success of their organizations and contributing to the national vision that aims to give "all individuals in Lebanon the opportunity to enjoy the best possible mental health".

National web portal on mental health in the workplace:

A full-fledged website which is designed as a web portal, accessible to anyone, with resources to promote mental health in the workplace. The website includes general information on mental health, the charter, the number of organizations pledging, case studies and testimonies, where to find support, etc.

Visit the website to take the Pledge or learn more: mhworkplace.moph.gov.lb

The National Mental Health Campaign:

The National Awareness campaign 2019 aimed at launching the initiative and at conveying why mental health in the workplace is crucial for employers, their teams and the success of their organisations.
Learn more: Link to NMH campaign page

Research related to the National Mental Health Program

Regulation of research

Regulation of research related to mental health and psychosocial support

Guidelines and standards related to Mental Health in Lebanon

Maternal Mental Health Guidelines for Healthcare Providers

Practical Guide for Media Professionals on the Coverage of Mental Health and Substance Use

Accreditation standards for residential substance use rehabilitation programmes - 2019

Guide for the rational prescription of medications for priority mental and neurological conditions for specialists in the public health system

Recruitment criteria for professionals working in mental health in humanitarian settings

As part of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Task Force (MHPSS TF) action plan set every year to address challenges faced in MHPSS work, recruitment criteria for mental he...

The National Mental Health Programme Media centre where you can access news, features, multimedia, etc.

High-level meeting on the mental health reform in Lebanon- midterm evaluation results and priority-setting

Improving mental health care in humanitarian crises

Episode 1 of the “Ask the Policy Expert” Webinar Series with the head of the National Mental Health Programme

Episode 1 of the “Ask the Policy Expert” Webinar Series with the head of the National Mental Health Programme to discuss each major objective of the WHO’s comprehensive mental heal...

Nature Podcast on Global Mental Health

Documentary: "Mental Health in Lebanon: Vision and Achievements"

The national mental health campaigns conducted by the Ministry of Public Health to raise awareness about mental health

National Mental Health Awareness Campaign 2019

National Mental Health Awareness Campaign 2018

National Mental Health Awareness Campaign 2015

National Mental Health campaign 2015

National Mental Health Awareness Campaign 2017

The “Inter-ministerial Substance Use Response Strategy for Lebanon 2016-2021” was launched by the Ministries of Public Health, Social Affairs, Education and Higher Education, Interior and Municipalities and Justice in December 2016.The domains of action of the strategy cover all the spectrum of response to substance use (alcohol, drugs and tobacco use): the prevention of substance use disorders; the harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation and re-integration into society of persons with substance use disorders, and supply reduction.

The strategy aims at:

Increased availability of high quality age and gender sensitive prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, social re-integration and harm reduction services and
Increased accessibility to these services,
Increased protection of human rights of persons with substance use disorders, and
Increased efficiency and effectiveness of supply reduction activities.

The achievement of the above goals will assist on the long-term in:

Decreasing prevalence of substance use disorders
Delaying the age of onset of substance use
Decreasing the prevalence of communicable diseases among People Who Inject Drugs
Decreasing the number of overdose cases
Decreasing the stigmaaround persons with substance use disorders

To download the strategy, please click on the link below:
Inter-ministerial Substance Use Response Strategy for Lebanon 2016-2021

To download the press release of the Strategy launching, please click on the link below:
Press Release: Launching of the Inter-ministerial Substance Use Response Strategy for Lebanon 201-2021

Lists of Psychotropic and Neurological Medication Recommended for Prescription by Specialists

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Task Force is a coordination body chaired by the Ministry of Public Health and co-chaired by WHO and UNICEF, which comprises around 60 organisations working in the MHPSS response (UN agencies, local and international NGOs and ministries).

Its mission is to ensure an effective, coordinated and focused inter-agency response to the MHPSS needs of the persons affected by the Syrian crisis and the host population in Lebanon through identifying and addressing the gaps, promoting the importance of MHPSS at all levels as well as developing standards and building the capacity of the MHPSS sector.

To achieve this mission, an annual action plan is developed by the task force to focus its work on addressing the identified gaps and priorities.

The task force meets on a monthly basis at central level in Beirut and at regional level in the Bekaa, in the North, and in the South.

MHPSS Task Force Minutes of Meetings

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Indicators

Minutes of meetings

Minutes of the meetings of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Task Force

Timings of meetings

Schedule of MHPSS Task Force meetings

Terms of Reference

Overview of the drug situation in Lebanon and the publications related to drugs and drug addictions

The National Observatry on Drugs and Drug Addiction (NODDA) was launched by the Ministry of Public Health in 2016 in line with the implementation of a strategic objective of the “Inter-ministerial Substance Use Response Strategy for Lebanon 2016-2021”.
The NODDA plays a key role in collecting, analyzing and generating evidence from national databases that can inform policy and service development.
Read more on: http://www.moph.gov.lb/en/Pages/3/4771/narcotics-#/en/view/10643/national-observatory-on-drugs-and-drug-addiction

National Report on Drug Situation in Lebanon – 2017

Overview of the drug situation in Lebanon between 2000 and 2016 inclusive

IEC material on mental health prepared and published by the National Mental Health Programme

Information, Education and Communication material about different Mental Health topics. The aim of this material is to provide information and increase awareness on mental health topics (Signs and symptoms, causes and risks factors, treatments and ways to help oneself or to seek help).

Assessments published by the National Mental Health Program

Needs of women with substance use disorders in Lebanon - 2019

Assessment of mental health and psychosocial support services for Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Articles published by the National Mental Health Programme

Using COVID-19 Responses to Help Strengthen the Mental Health System in Lebanon

Improving humanitarian crisis response policy and practice: mental health and psychosocial support coordination in Lebanon

Letters to the editor- Lancet Journal - on the Syrian crisis and mental health system reform in Lebanon

Letters to the editor of Lancet Journal about the Syrian crisis and the mental health system reform in Lebanon

Developing an inter-ministerial substance use response strategy for Lebanon: process, content and lessons learned

The process of development of the inter-ministerial substance use response strategy for Lebanon

Lebanon: mental health system reform and the Syrian crisis

Overview of the mental health situation in Lebanon amidst the Syrian crisis and the mental health system reform.

Policy briefs published by the National Mental Health Programme

Preventing suicide in Lebanon-Much can be done with whole-of-society approach

Turning Adversity into Opportunity: the Syrian Crisis and Mental Health Reform in Lebanon

Policy brief highlighting main policy recommendations related to the mental health system reform in Lebanon.

Reports published by National Mental Health Programme

WHO-AIMS Report on Mental Health System in Lebanon 2015

"The World Health Organization Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) was used to collect information on the mental health system in Lebanon. ...

Service Mappings published by the National Mental Health Programme

Mapping of services for response to substance use disorders report- 2017

The “4Ws” in Lebanon: Who’s Doing What, Where and Until When in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

Report of the mapping exercise conducted by the National Mental Health Programme for the year 2014 using the WHO “4Ws” mapping tool, which is an essential component for locating, a...

Email: mh.moph@nmhp-lb.com

Newsletter of the National Mental Health Programme published quarterly

The National Mental Health Program (NMHP) newsletter is a quarterly publication which provides up-to-date news and information about the NMHP activities.

Would you like to subscribe to the NMHP newsletter mailing list?

By subscribing to the newsletter you can see at a glance interesting updates, projects and events related to mental health in Lebanon.
Subscription to the newsletter e-mail list is open to all individuals who are interested in mental health in Lebanon. Subscribing to this list means that you will receive regular e-mail messages containing the latest newsletters.

Please fill out the form below to subscribe to the NMHP newsletter:
NMHP newsletter subscription form

Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention, Promotion and Treatment Strategy for Lebanon 2015-2020

The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and International Medical Corps (IMC), launched on the 14^th of May 2015 the Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention, Promotion, and Treatment Strategy for Lebanon 2015-2020.

With the vision that all people living in Lebanon will have the opportunity to enjoy the best possible mental health and wellbeing, the mission driving the Strategy is:

To ensure the development of a sustainable mental health system that guarantees the provision and universal accessibility of high quality mental health curative and preventive services through a cost-effective, evidence-based and multidisciplinary approach, with an emphasis on community involvement, continuum of care, human rights, and cultural relevance.

The strategy document was the result of a participatory process involving all actors in the field of mental health and substance use in Lebanon as well as international experts. The strategy underwent many stages of consultations to ensure that it addresses all national priorities identified by the main actors in the field.

To download the strategy, please click on the link below:

Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention, Promotion and Treatment Strategy for Lebanon 2015-2020

External mid-term evaluation of the Lebanon national Mental Health Strategy 2015-2020

Report of the external mid-term evaluation of the national mental health strategy for Lebanon 2015-2020

Map of substance use and rehabilitation services in Lebanon

About the National Mental Health Program at the Ministry of Public Health

The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) was launched in May 2014 within the Ministry of Public Health with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and International Medical Corps (IMC), with the aim of reforming mental health care in Lebanon and providing services beyond medical treatment at the community level, in line with Human Rights and the latest evidence for best practices.

NMHP Vision: All people living in Lebanon will have the opportunity to enjoy the best possible mental health and well-being.

Working towards this vision, the NMHP has launched in May 2015, after a process involving all key stakeholders in the country, a Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention, Promotion, and Treatment Strategy for Lebanon for the period of 2015-2020.

Mission: to ensure the development of a sustainable mental health system that guarantees the provision and universal accessibility of high quality mental health curative and preventive services through a cost-effective, evidence-based and multidisciplinary approach, with an emphasis on community involvement, continuum of care, human rights, and cultural relevance.

The implementation of this Strategy is successfully ongoing since its launching.

The NMHP has also coordinated the development of the "Inter-ministerial Substance Use Response Strategy for Lebanon 2016-2021" launched jointly in December 2016 by the ministries of Public Health, Social Affairs, Interior and Municipalities, Justice and Education. The implementation of this Strategy has been initiated.

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