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

To receive your Award of Completion, you must complete all modules in the course. This will only be possible once the course has been fully released. In the meantime, you can begin working towards your award and return to complete the remaining modules when they become available.

Learning experience

There will be 10 self-paced modules, each taking 2- 3 hours to complete. All modules will be released by late 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 through out.