On the first day of the Psychological First Aid (PFA) Master TOT Training, one of the areas participants were taken through was MHPSS Intervention Pyramid (IASC)

 

The Inter-Agency Standing Committee's (IASC) Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Intervention Pyramid is a conceptual framework that illustrates a layered support system designed to address individuals' diverse mental health and psychosocial needs in emergency settings.

At its base, the pyramid emphasizes the importance of ensuring essential services and security.

It recognizes that restoring safety, adequate living conditions, and access to critical services forms the foundation for mental well-being.

The next layer focuses on community and family support, highlighting the role of social networks and communal activities in fostering resilience and providing psychosocial assistance.

Ascending further, the pyramid identifies the need for focused, non-specialized support, which includes interventions such as psychological first aid and basic mental health care provided by trained general health staff.

At its apex, the pyramid addresses the necessity for specialized services catering to individuals with severe mental disorders through clinical interventions by mental health professionals.

This structured approach underscores the principle that a comprehensive response to mental health in crises must be multi-layered, integrating various levels of support to meet the spectrum of needs within affected populations effectively.

 

The newly trained Psychological First Aid (PFA) master trainers stand as pivotal architects within the framework of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee's (IASC) Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Intervention Pyramid.

Their expertise enables them to weave PFA principles throughout the pyramid's layers, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive support system.

At the foundational level, they can guide humanitarian workers in integrating empathetic communication and basic psychosocial support into essential services, fostering safety and trust among affected populations.

Progressing to the community and family support layer, these trainers can empower local leaders and community members with PFA skills, strengthening communal bonds and resilience.

In the realm of focused, non-specialized support, master trainers can mentor frontline workers to deliver PFA effectively, addressing acute distress and facilitating referrals to specialized care when necessary.

By embedding PFA across all tiers of the MHPSS pyramid, master trainers ensure that psychological support is accessible, culturally sensitive, and seamlessly integrated into the broader humanitarian response.

 

PFA master trainers are crucial in bridging the gap between non-specialized and specialized services within the MHPSS Intervention Pyramid.

They can identify individuals exhibiting severe distress or mental health conditions and ensure their timely referral to specialized services, thereby enhancing the overall efficacy of the support system.

By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community leaders, and humanitarian agencies, PFA master trainers contribute to a well-coordinated and holistic approach to mental health and psychosocial support in emergency settings.

Their efforts alleviate immediate distress and lay the groundwork for long-term resilience and recovery within affected communities.

Recognition of the need for MHPSS interventions across all phases of emergencies—preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery is one significant development.

This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of early detection and timely delivery of support services to address mental health needs in crises effectively.

Another critical issue is the stigma associated with mental health, which often hinders individuals from seeking support.

PFA master trainers can play a pivotal role in overcoming this barrier by fostering good relationships and rapport during training sessions.

Such positive interactions have been found to reduce reluctance and encourage participation in MHPSS-focused activities, thereby mitigating the impact of stigma.

 

The rapid advancement of the MHPSS field necessitates continuous learning and adaptation. Staying abreast of the latest guidelines, research, and best practices is essential for PFA master trainers to provide adequate support.

Engaging with resources such as the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings can offer valuable insights and frameworks to inform their training programs.

 

By leveraging these emerging insights, PFA master trainers can enhance their training programs, ensuring they are comprehensive, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of individuals and communities in crises.

By: Jcob Karani & Britney Marcella