Henrikje Klasen iCAMH Training

The Henrikje Klasen iCAMH Training is a free 24-30 hour competency based training aimed at second-line practitioners around the world, who have no specific training in child psychiatry, but nevertheless see children with mental health problems (e.g. pediatricians, general psychiatrists and their final year trainees; mental health officers etc.). The Henrikje Klasen iCAMH training builds on the MOOC and IACAPAP textbook, emphasizes practical skills and expands both in depth and scope on the child mental health competencies covered in WHOs mhGAP (recommended for primary health professionals) and the MOOC. The combination of MOOC, clinical exercises and Henrikje Klasen iCAMH training provides a blended learning experience that leads to a “IACAPAP/Henrikje Klasen iCAMH certificate for basic child and adolescent mental health”.

The Henrikje Klasen iCAMH training prepares participants to identify, diagnose and manage common uncomplicated psychiatric disorders of childhood and adolescence as well as to supervise and support primary care staff managing CAMH problems. To cater to the local context, participants will provide some personal video material of assessment and treatment sessions with children and families to be discussed during the course. The focus is on the most common childhood mental health problems (with incidences of about 1% or more), which participants are likely to encounter in their daily practice. In addition, participants will learn about the scope and importance of child and adolescent mental health problems worldwide and in their own country. Service models and the role of task shifting will be discussed and the doctor will be prepared for leadership and advocacy tasks in child mental health. The course is fully evaluated and initial pilots in Africa (Ethiopia) and Asia (Sri Lanka) have shown excellent clinical relevance and significant improvement in clinical skills, attitudes and ability to identify child mental health problems in practice (publication in preparation).

The free training can be hosted anywhere in the world, where at least 8 second line professionals (e.g. paediatricians, general psychiatrists, mental health officers) have successfully followed the MOOC and carried out some practical exercises (like writing a case report or filming a child or family with CAMH problems). It needs to be supported by a local organization (e.g. University, hospital, NGO) as well as by a local trainer, who is familiar with child mental health issues in the area. Adaptable training materials and (if required) volunteer trainers will be provided through IACAPAP/Henrikje Klasen iCAMH.

While the few often relatively newly qualified (child) mental health professionals in low resourced settings are busy addressing clinical needs and building up services, there often remains a lack of experienced clinical teachers and trainers. In high-income countries, on the other hand, experienced child psychiatrists might be in a position to provide some time and expertise to support their colleagues and gain new perspectives of their profession. Junior or trainee child psychiatrists might seek to broaden their educational experience by volunteering as junior trainers. Teaching and experiencing mental health care in lower income countries and going back to basics can be a truly inspiring experience.

To find out more and apply as an Henrikje Klasen iCAMH volunteer junior or senior trainer - click here

To find out more and apply as an Henrikje Klasen iCAMH Host country - click here 

To find out more on training requirements and to view an Henrikje Klasen iCAMH sample session – click here

Click here to view the abstract of the Henrikje Klasen iCAMH evaluation article (login required to access full article).