Early-release course

You are accessing an early-release version of the mhGAP course, produced by the WHO Academy. We encourage you to provide feedback on your learning experience. We will use your feedback to adapt and improve the course and the WHO Academy online platform.

About this course

75% of people who experience mental, neurological and substance use disorders do not receive any treatment. This course from the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) helps to close the global mental health treatment gap. It supports health workers at the primary level to use a practical, evidence-based tool, the Intervention Guide, to assess, manage, follow up and refer for priority mental, neurological and substance use disorders.

Who is this course for?

Health workers at the primary level, for example, doctors, nurses, midwives and providers working in general healthcare and programmes such as HIV, neglected tropical diseases or maternal, newborn and child health.

What will you learn?

By the close of this course, you will be able to:

• Use the mhGAP Intervention Guide to identify, assess, manage, follow-up and refer people living with priority mental, neurological and substance use disorders.

• Apply the the essential principles of care to communicate with and promote respect for people living with priority mental, neurological and substance use disorders.

• Explain the aims and activities and key tool of the WHO mhGAP programme.

Assessment and Award

Receive an Award of Completion when you complete all the activities in a module. Awards are saved in your ‘My Achievements’ space and can be downloaded and shared.

Learning experience

There are 10 self-paced online modules. Modules 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are available now. Four more modules will be released in 2024. Each module contains short texts, videos, case studies, scenarios and reflection points. There are regular opportunities to self-assess your understanding and apply knowledge. Feedback and key take-aways are provided throughout.