In 2024, UOSSM launched a groundbreaking year-long diploma program in psychological counselling, aimed at addressing the severe shortage of trained mental health professionals in Northwest Syria. Developed in collaboration with MIDMAR, the program was designed to equip Psycho-Social Workers (PSWs) with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to deliver structured, CBT-informed psychological interventions to adults with mild to moderate mental health conditions.

Targeting 50 PSWs—equally split between women and men—the diploma program marked a shift from low-intensity, generalist interventions toward a sustainable model of individual-focused care. Its core objectives included strengthening competencies in supporting individuals facing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD; introducing structured case formulation and risk assessment methods; and promoting ethical, culturally responsive therapeutic practices. Graduates who met all coursework, examination, and fieldwork requirements were awarded a professional diploma from an accredited training institution.

The 12-month curriculum was structured into three integrated phases. The first phase, Knowledge Building, spanned two months and covered foundational concepts in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), clinical ethics, diagnostic frameworks (DSM-5 and mhGAP), and the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The second phase, Skills Training, extended over four months and focused on communication techniques, clinical assessment, CBT case formulation, and treatment planning for common mental health conditions. The final phase, Practical Supervised Fieldwork, lasted six months and involved the delivery of real-life therapy sessions. Each trainee worked with four clients over 6–8 sessions per case, under close individual and group supervision to ensure quality and adherence to ethical standards.

Implementation was a joint effort: UOSSM oversaw the technical design, supervision, and academic content, while MIDMAR managed local coordination, trainee selection, logistics, and trainer recruitment. A structured MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) framework supported the program to ensure quality delivery and measurable outcomes throughout.

The impact of the program was significant. Fifty PSWs became technically certified in delivering structured psychological care, over 200 clients received direct counselling, and access to moderate-intensity mental health support was expanded across high-need areas. This diploma initiative not only filled an urgent service gap but also established a scalable model for the long-term professionalization of MHPSS in humanitarian settings.

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