Community Mental Health as Practiced by the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme

Abstract

(from the chapter) Discusses the mission, development, objectives and strategies of the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCMHP). GCMHP was established to provide comprehensive mental health services to the Gaza Strip. Direct clinical work is focused on adults and children, in particular ex-political detainees and their families. The GCMHP aims to diagnose and treat the effects of violence and other human rights violations. The discussion also focuses on GCMHP's objectives of raising public awareness of traumatic experiences, developing individual treatment methods, and other initiatives. Specific projects highlight the condition of women, and work for their empowerment in society. The political and social history of Gaza is introduced as background information. It is noted that the mental health situation in Gaza which has been affected by the past and present social and political environments. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)