In September 2024, the “Enhancing the Capacities of Primary Health Care Physicians in the Field of Mental Health: Recognition, Primary Care, and Referral” training program was launched. The program is implemented by the Armenian Association of Mental Health with the financial support of the European Union, within the framework of the project “Rights, Services, Participation: Promoting a Comprehensive Mental Health Framework in Armenia.”

The training is designed for physicians providing primary health care services and is conducted in three phases.

As a result of the training, family physicians will acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge of various psychiatric disorders, enabling them to identify, provide appropriate initial care, and refer patients for further treatment when needed. They will also gain skills in effective communication with patients, learning practical approaches and techniques to enhance their interaction during clinical practice.

Training topics include:

• Depression
   
• Anxiety disorders and conversion/dissociative disorders
   
• Postpartum disorders
   
• Communication skills with patients
   
• Comprehensive psychiatry
   
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
   
• Addictions
   
• Autism
   
• Neurocognitive disorders
   
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
   
• Psychotic episodes
   
• Suicide
   
• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia
   
• Eating disorders
   

Training sessions are held in Tsaghkadzor, Vanadzor, and Jermuk.
So far, 45 physicians from all regions of Armenia have participated in the program. The training series will conclude in December 2025.

The project “Rights, Services, Participation: Promoting a Comprehensive Mental Health Framework in Armenia” is funded by the European Union and implemented by:

• Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly - Vanadzor Office
   
• Armenian Association of Mental Health
   
• Foundation for the Development of Democracy
   
• in partnership with the “Disability Rights Agenda” Human Rights NGO.