Leveraging Communities of Practice to Sustain Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Crisis Contexts

Abstract

Introduction: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services are critically important in times of social and humanitarian crisis, ensuring public health and social stability. Despite their significance, access to MHPSS globally, especially in resource-limited countries, remains insufficient, hindering long-term community recovery. International guidelines (IASC, WHO) call for systemic and integrated approaches, as providing sustainable psychosocial support is a global priority.

Purpose: This article aims to demonstrate how Communities of Practice (CoPs) can ensure the continuity and sustainability of MHPSS services at the community level. We seek to bridge the gap between the development of effective psychosocial interventions and their widespread practical application. Specifically, we explore how MHPSS professionals and community members can acquire the necessary skills for localized support and how to create sustainable spaces for continuous learning and knowledge exchange.

Approach: This work employs a review-based approach, combining the analysis of scholarly sources and practical examples to develop a conceptual model. We examined reports and recommendations from international organizations (IASC, WHO) and academic publications to identify barriers and opportunities for scaling up MHPSS. CoPs are viewed as a flexible infrastructure for service continuity. The proposed model for implementing MHPSS programs through CoP development covers stages from initial analysis to supervision. The practical application of the model and its effectiveness in service decentralization are illustrated with examples from Ukraine (Resilience Centres) and Poland (WHO mhGAP initiative).

Results: The MHPSS Program Implementation Model based on CoP Development, which we propose, comprises eleven stages – from adapting international programs to their integration into state policy, focusing on continuous learning and effective coordination.

Conclusion: The effective scaling of psychosocial support is a complex process that requires conscious strategic planning, engagement of all stakeholders, and, most importantly, political will for the institutionalization of these services at the state level. The fundamental importance of continuous psychosocial support necessitates not just isolated interventions but a holistic, interconnected network of services operating at various levels to meet diverse population needs. This requires both horizontal integration (intersectoral cooperation: health, education, social protection, volunteer, and community organizations) and vertical integration (multi-level approach from primary to specialized care). Close coordination among state institutions, international partners, and civil society is indispensable for ensuring the continuity and consistency of MHPSS and prioritizing mental health at the national level.