Global Mental Health
Bringing together global expertise that drives meaningful intervention locally.
Who We Are
The Johns Hopkins Center for Global Mental Health supports the development, evaluation and translation of ideas and interventions across diverse cultural settings that strengthen the mental health of communities in Baltimore and around the world. We seek impact through lasting partnerships, mutual learning, generation of evidence to collaborate with partners who share a commitment to mental health equity through continual learning, generation of evidence, cultural relevance, and addressing mental health disparities and promoting access to equitable and quality care. We design culturally relevant interventions, train leaders, and build partnerships to strengthen mental health systems globally. By reducing stigma and using evidence-based approaches, we aim to create lasting, sustainable change in communities worldwide.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Global Mental Health is committed to a dynamic exchange of knowledge that bridges global and local contexts. We emphasize a global-to-local and local-to-global approach to reduce the mental health care gap--i.e., the ‘gap’ that exists between the need for care (psychological, social, medical) and the availability of quality, evidence-based care-- and address the social and environmental determinants that influence mental health and wellbeing locally and globally. Through this reciprocal approach, we foster collaborative partnerships, build capacity, and enhance the translation of research into culturally relevant and sustainable mental health interventions worldwide.
Ultimately, we aim to harness global innovation to reduce the mental health care gap--i.e., the ‘gap’ that exists between the need for care (psychological, social, medical) and the availability of quality, evidence-based care--and to promote mental health and wellbeing locally and globally.
What is Global Mental Health?
Global mental health (GMH) is a multidisciplinary field that promotes and sustains the mental health of individuals and communities around the world, while alleviating suffering through the prevention and care of mental, neurological, and substance use disorders. Practitioners integrate knowledge from fields as distinct as anthropology, political science and neuroscience and apply an equally diverse set of methods, including epidemiology, psychology, economics, and implementation science to identify and address mental health needs on a global scale. In strides toward greater access to care, global mental health researchers and practitioners develop and evaluate interventions attuned to culture and context, work to integrate mental health services into primary care and other community systems and promote mental health equity. To achieve equity, participants in this field forge strong partnerships to address the social determinants of mental health, reduce stigma and discrimination, and enhance the quality and accessibility of care.
News
Simple Actions You Can Take on World Mental Health Day 2024
World Mental Health Day is recognized on October 10 each year, and the official theme for 2024 is ‘It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.’
U.S. Global Mental Health Alliance Hosts Congressional Briefing
The U.S. Global Mental Health Alliance hosts an informational session for members of Congress and their staff addressed the importance of supporting global mental health initiatives.
What is Public Mental Health?
PMH researchers and providers work to detect, prevent, and respond to mental health disorders, and to promote well-being within populations.