Mental Health and

Psychosocial Support
(MHPSS)

Nacua, Ian
Acain, Crislyn Rose
Gunda, Jiselle Marie
 What is MHPSS?

Mental Health Psychosocial Support refers

to any type of local or outside support that
aims to protect or promote psychosocial
well-being and/or prevent or treat mental
disorders.
It’s used in emergencies, communities, and
healthcare systems to help people cope and
recover.
 Importance:

Helps reduce distress and build Encourages social connection

resilience. and emotional well-being.

Promotes healing after trauma

or crisis.
 IASC Guidelines
Ecological Model Psychosocial Support Pyramid:
(Inter-Agency Standing Committee)

Basic Services & Security – food, water,

International standard for MHPSS Addresses support on different
shelter
in emergencies. levels: Community & Family Supports –
Individual reconnecting with loved ones, peer
Promotes coordinated, culturally support
Family
appropriate, and effective support. Focused Non-specialized Support –
Community trained non-professionals (e.g.,
Society teachers, volunteers)
Specialized Services – clinical care by
psychologists, psychiatrists
Fig. 1.Intervention pyramid for MHPSS in emergencies
Ecological Model
 Key Interventions

Intervention Description Key Benefits

Immediate support during or after a crisis

Reduces initial distress; promotes safety,
Psychological First Aid (PFA) through listening, comfort, and linking to
calmness, and practical support.
services.

Peer support groups, awareness campaigns, Builds resilience, reduces stigma,

Community-Based Support
and local engagement activities. strengthens natural support systems.
 Key Interventions

Intervention Description Key Benefits

Professional treatment such as counseling, Treats mental health conditions like PTSD,
Therapeutic Interventions
CBT, and trauma therapy. anxiety, and depression effectively.

Livelihood training, employment programs, and Addresses root causes of stress;

Social & Economic Support
education access. promotes dignity, stability, and recovery.
MHPSS Applications in Different COntexts: A Timeline

01 Phase 1: Immediate Response (Hours to Days

Key MHPSS Activities

Context

Disaster & Conflict Psychological First Aid (PFA)

Settings Safety and basic needs support
Rapid assessments
Key MHPSS
Healthcare Settings Crisis counseling for patients and staff
Support for families
Brief interventions

Schools & Debriefing sessions

Workplaces Immediate emotional support
Reassurance and communication
MHPSS Applications in Different COntexts: A Timeline

02 Phase 2: Early Recovery (Weeks to Months)

Key MHPSS Activities

Context

Disaster & Conflict Group support sessions

Settings Community awareness activities
Identification of high-risk individuals
Key MHPSS
Healthcare Settings Peer support for healthcare workers
Continued psychosocial care for patients
Staff resilience programs

Schools & School-based counseling

Workplaces Return-to-learn/work support
Mental health literacy campaigns
MHPSS Applications in Different COntexts: A Timeline

03 Phase 3: Long-Term Recovery (Months to Years)

Key MHPSS Activities

Context

Disaster & Conflict Trauma-focused therapy

Settings Livelihood and education programs
Reintegration support
Key MHPSS
Healthcare Settings Integration of mental health into primary care
Long-term psychological rehabilitation

Ongoing mental health services

Schools & Wellness and stress management programs
Workplaces Policy development
Challenges and Limitations
 Case Study/ Real-World:
MHPSS in Typhoon Haiyan

Providing Support Community-Based

Addressing Immediate Mental Health Services
Networks Interventions Long-Term Recovery:
Needs
MHPSS facilitated the MHPSS programs also Recognizing the MHPSS efforts extended
After Typhoon Haiyan, included community- importance of specialized
establishment of support beyond the immediate
MHPSS services were based initiatives such as care, MHPSS services
networks within aftermath of the typhoon,
vital for providing family tracing and also included referral to
communities, enabling focusing on long-term
psychological first aid to reunification, community specialized mental health
survivors to share recovery and resilience-
survivors, helping them healing ceremonies, and professionals for
experiences, offer mutual building activities to
cope with immediate mass communication on individuals with more
aid, and build social support communities in
stress and trauma. constructive coping severe psychological
connections. rebuilding their lives.
strategies. needs.
Why MHPSS matters?

Alleviates Suffering Contributes to Sustainable Development

Supports Recovery from Trauma Upholds Human Dignity

Strengthens Coping Mechanisms Prevents Long-Term Problems

Promotes Social Cohesion Enhances Overall Well-being

By increasing awareness and support for MHPSS, we can:

Reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviors.

Improve understanding of mental health and psychosocial needs.
Increase access to quality and affordable services.
Mobilize resources and prioritize mental well-being.
Build more resilient individuals and communities better equipped to cope with challenges.

Call to Action

Individuals:
Community leaders: Prioritize MHPSS in your local
Be an advocate for mental health awareness and
planning and resource allocation. Partner with
support. Reach out to neighbors, friends, and
organizations to implement MHPSS initiatives.
family who may be struggling.

Organizations: All of us:

Integrate MHPSS into your programs and activities. Reduce stigma around mental health and create a
Provide training and support to your staff and supportive environment where everyone feels
volunteers. comfortable seeking help.
Thank you