A Mental Health & Substance Use Community Center provides free psychosocial support services in Baalbeck
A Mental Health & Substance Use Community Center provides free psychosocial support services in Baalbeck
In the framework of the AFD (Agence francaise de Développement) project “Improving Mental Health and Well-being of people living in Lebanon”, the Community Mental Health & Substance Use Center; run by Médecins du Monde (MdM) and Skoun, opened its doors in Baalbeck last July to serve a large community in need of mental health and substance use services.
Hala, Hassan, Joyce, Rami* and many other patients had their lives changed thanks to the treatment they’ve received at the Community Mental Health & Substance Use Center in Baalbeck. Scrolling through a list of closed cases on her laptop, Amani, mental health & psychosocial support (MHPSS) case manager at the center, recounts great stories about patients who could overcome their mental disorders within few months of treatment. In November, the center provided 151 individual consultations. Most of the cases are being referred through local NGOs operating in the region or awareness sessions conducted by Community Mobilizers trained by Médecins du Monde at the Informal tented settlements (ITS) and at the hospital by the center team.
The Community Mental Health & Substance Use Center provides free psychosocial support services ranging from case management, psychotherapy, psychiatry, parental guidance, psycho-education and group support. In addition to that, the center plays a crucial role in referring patients to the tertiary care when needed and raising awareness at the community level through awareness sessions, home visits and ITS visits.
As part of the “Improving Mental Health & Well-being of people living in Lebanon” project, Médecins du Monde and Skoun Lebanese Addictions Center aim at increasing the opportunity to enjoy the best possible mental health and well-being care, by contributing to the development of community-based centers offering inclusive services to people living in Lebanon, particularly vulnerable groups and people at risk.
Photo: Psychotherapy session
Photo: Welcoming the patient at the Community Mental Health & Substance Use Center
Photo: Community Mental Health & Substance Use Center in Baalbeck
*The names have been changed to maintain confidentiality
About MdM activities in Lebanon:
Since 2012, MdM in Lebanon, has been actively engaged in providing access to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services and reducing the impact of the Syrian crisis, on the mental and physical health of the Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese. Moreover, MdM works towards strengthening the national primary healthcare system and increasing access to quality primary healthcare. MdM works in partnership with several Lebanese organizations and collaborates with universities on specific researches.
Visit our website: https://mdm-me.org/blog/countries/lebanon/
For more information about the Community Mental Health & Substance Use Center:
Email: cc.baalbek@gmail.com
Phone number: 08 370 470 ext.4000 / 70 125 868