Following an invitation by Deputy Minister of Health Dimitris Vartzopoulos, the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Initiative (CAMHI) held a workshop on its progress and next steps at the Hellenic Ministry of Health in early July. The initiative’s directors, the managers of its Hubs throughout Greece, and representatives of the National Network of Mental Health Services participated in the discussion of its work currently under implementation and its plans for the future.
The Advanced Training Curriculum for mental health professionals within the National Health System, implemented through a partnership between the Child Mind Institute and CAMHI’s expert team in Greece, was a particular focus.
The curriculum emphasizes family involvement and seeks to enhance the therapeutic process through three therapeutic protocols based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
- Therapeutic Protocol for Child Anxiety (6-12 years old)
- Treatment Protocol for Adolescent Depression (12-17 years old)
- Therapeutic Parent Training Protocol in Behavioral Techniques for Behavioral Disorders (4-14 years old)
After the end of the workshop, CAMHI Director and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Anastasia Koumoula said, “Today’s workshop with representatives of the National Network of Mental Health Services provided an excellent opportunity to present the progress of the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Initiative and to jointly discuss the next steps to strengthen it further. Collaboration with the Regional Networks of Mental Health Services is crucial, as it ensures the effective implementation of the Program throughout Greece and optimal support for children, adolescents, and their families. We are committed to continue to be guided by scientific evidence and innovation in order to provide high-quality mental health services within the framework of the National Health System.”
Deputy Minister of Health Dimitris Vartzopoulos said, “The Child & Adolescent Mental Health Initiative is an important step for the protection of our children's mental health and practical support for their families, and today's workshop with the representatives of the National Network of Mental Health Services was an important opportunity to present CAMHI’s progress and to jointly define the next steps to strengthen it further. As the state, we stand by this effort, ensuring access to modern mental health services and empowering the professionals who provide them. I would like to thank all those involved in the Initiative and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation for its contribution to a project that puts children and adolescents at the epicenter of its mission.”
CAMHI is implemented by a nationwide network of public sector mental health agencies and professionals, in collaboration with the Child Mind Institute in New York and with the support of the Hellenic Ministry of Health. The program is supported in full by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) as part of its Global Health Initiative (GHI).