Survey Results
The Generation Mental Health model is built on constant knowledge generation and research from diverse voices. We have been gathering knowledge through our surveys for the past few months, and are now excited to share our findings! We surveyed both experts in the field of global mental health, and young people interested in engaging with the field, heres a summary of our key takeaways.
THE EXPERT SURVEY
Our expert survey was designed to gather insight from well-established professionals within the field of global mental health. This includes academics, clinicians, public health workers and advocates, to name a few. Our goal with the expert survey was to gain a better understanding of how capacity building within global mental health functions currently and find ways to continue building this important field.
We surveyed 92 experts in the field of global mental health, with backgrounds ranging from USA, South Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia.
43% of respondents found having an intern/fellow at their organisation to be 'very useful.'
27% found it to be 'somewhat useful.'
45% of fellows/interns came with funding.
27% were funded by their host organisation.
18% had mixed funding.
Respondents identified potential areas of work for GenMH Fellows, including:
- Mental health research (e.g. needs assessment).
- Programme development and implementation for youth mental health.
- Grant writing and report writing.
- Data management and analysis.
Looking ahead, respondents to the expert survey confirmed a need for capacity building in the global mental health workforce. 87% stated they would be interested in working with GenMH and GenMH fellows in the future.
"I have worked in contexts where interns were invaluable and in contexts where we chose not to work with them at all because we could not resource their experience properly.”
- Excerpt from an expert survey respondent
THE PARTICIPANT SURVEY
Our participant survey was designed to gather insight from individuals with an interest in a career in global mental health. This includes students, young professionals, activists and those with lived experience, to name a few. Our goal with the participant survey was to improve our understanding of what opportunities currently exist for career-building in global mental health, as well as what Generation Mental Health can bring to the table.
We surveyed 78 people globally, with the only unrepresented region being Latin America.
Respondents expressed interest in areas such as research, clinical practice (psychology, psychiatry, social work, counselling, therapy), public health & human rights.
There was consensus that international placements in global mental health are needed. Barriers to accessing placements included a lack of funding, awareness and logistical support.
50% of respondents had previous placements or internships with health-based organisations.
There was consensus that respondents learned a lot from these experiences and were able to contribute to their host organisation.
Looking ahead, respondents to the participant survey expressed interest in global mental health placements both in their own country context, and abroad. Over 50% agreed that 6-12 month placements would be most effective.
Most participants agreed that global mental health placements would teach them the hard and soft skills needed to contribute to the field of mental health both locally and globally.
“Expertise should not exist in a microcosm. If we want a world which is sensitive to all, we need exchanges on a global level, which include mental health projects.”
- Excerpt from a participant survey respondent