Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
What happens when one simple question challenges everything we think we know about mental health care?
In this presentation from the Global Refugee Mental Health Symposium, Dr. Mohammad Abo Hilal shares the inspiring journey behind developing culturally grounded, faith-sensitive mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for Syrian refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and conflict-affected communities.
Drawing on more than 15 years of experience, Dr. Abo Hilal reflects on how questioning imported mental health models led to the development of approaches that better integrate local culture, spirituality, and community values into evidence-based practice.
The session explores:
Faith-sensitive approaches to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
Culturally adapted interventions for refugees and displaced communities
Adapting the World Health Organization's Problem Management Plus (PM+) into an Islamic faith-sensitive model
Lessons from Syria's evolving mental health system
The importance of locally led, community-driven mental health care
Presentation
Localized Faith-Sensitive Approaches to MHPSS: A Learning Journey from Syria
About the Speaker
Dr. Mohammad Abo Hilal is a Syrian psychiatrist, MHPSS consultant, trainer, and researcher with over 15 years of experience supporting Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons. He is the Founder and Director of Syria Bright Future, where he leads initiatives to strengthen mental health, psychosocial wellbeing, and community resilience in conflict-affected settings.
His work focuses on integrating faith, culture, and evidence-based practice into mental health services. Since 2024, he has also contributed to rebuilding Syria's mental health system through partnerships with government institutions, NGOs, researchers, and healthcare professionals.
About the Symposium
The Global Refugee Mental Health Symposium brings together leading clinicians, researchers, humanitarian practitioners, and policymakers to explore innovative, culturally responsive approaches to refugee mental health and psychosocial support.
Learn more about Maristan
🌐 maristan.org
Follow Maristan:
Instagram: instagram.com/maristanorg
Facebook: facebook.com/maristanorg
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/maristan
YouTube: youtube.com/@maristanorg
#Maristan #MentalHealth #RefugeeMentalHealth
What happens when one simple question challenges everything we think we know about mental health care?
In this presentation from the Global Refugee Mental Health Symposium, Dr. Mohammad Abo Hilal shares the inspiring journey behind developing culturally grounded, faith-sensitive mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for Syrian refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and conflict-affected communities.
Drawing on more than 15 years of experience, Dr. Abo Hilal reflects on how questioning imported mental health models led to the development of approaches that better integrate local culture, spirituality, and community values into evidence-based practice.
The session explores:
Faith-sensitive approaches to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
Culturally adapted interventions for refugees and displaced communities
Adapting the World Health Organization's Problem Management Plus (PM+) into an Islamic faith-sensitive model
Lessons from Syria's evolving mental health system
The importance of locally led, community-driven mental health care
Presentation
Localized Faith-Sensitive Approaches to MHPSS: A Learning Journey from Syria
About the Speaker
Dr. Mohammad Abo Hilal is a Syrian psychiatrist, MHPSS consultant, trainer, and researcher with over 15 years of experience supporting Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons. He is the Founder and Director of Syria Bright Future, where he leads initiatives to strengthen mental health, psychosocial wellbeing, and community resilience in conflict-affected settings.
His work focuses on integrating faith, culture, and evidence-based practice into mental health services. Since 2024, he has also contributed to rebuilding Syria's mental health system through partnerships with government institutions, NGOs, researchers, and healthcare professionals.
About the Symposium
The Global Refugee Mental Health Symposium brings together leading clinicians, researchers, humanitarian practitioners, and policymakers to explore innovative, culturally responsive approaches to refugee mental health and psychosocial support.
Learn more about Maristan
🌐 maristan.org
Follow Maristan:
Instagram: instagram.com/maristanorg
Facebook: facebook.com/maristanorg
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/maristan
YouTube: youtube.com/@maristanorg
#Maristan #MentalHealth #RefugeeMentalHealth
