WhatsApp: +90 531 277 79 02
e-mail: info@samhsyria.org
SAMH > Membership

Membership

(SAMH)

Membership in the Syrian Association for Mental Health

The Syrian Association for Mental Health (SAMH) welcomes the membership of professionals and individuals interested in the field of mental health, both inside and outside Syria. The association aims to support mental health work, promote the exchange of expertise, and enhance professional practices in this vital field.

Types of Membership

The association offers four main categories of membership, depending on academic qualifications and the nature of participation:

1. Founding Member
A founding member is one of the members of the association’s founding council. They must hold a postgraduate degree in one of the fields of mental health (psychiatry, psychology, or clinical social work).
They are required to pay the registration and annual membership fees and to comply with the association’s bylaws, regulations, and ethical charter.

2. Active Member
An active member is one who formally accepts the association’s bylaws, pays the registration and annual membership fees, and abides by the regulations and ethical charter.
They must hold a university degree in one of the mental health fields (psychiatry, psychology, social work, or psychiatric nursing), or a postgraduate qualification in one of these disciplines.
Active members have the right to attend general assembly meetings and to participate in elections in accordance with the bylaws.

3. Honorary Member
Honorary membership may be granted upon nomination by the Board of Directors and approval of the General Assembly to individuals who have made significant scientific, financial, or moral contributions to the association or to the field of mental health.
Honorary members are exempted from paying registration and annual fees, and their membership becomes effective upon official approval by the association.

4. Associate Member
An associate member may be a university student in one of the mental health sciences or a professional/individual interested in the field who does not meet the criteria for active membership.
Applicants must submit a membership request with the required documents and certificates and agree to abide by the association’s regulations and ethical charter.
Membership becomes effective upon approval by the Board of Directors.

Membership Requirements

To obtain membership in the association, the applicant must:

  • Not be deprived of civil or political rights.
  • Reside within the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic.
  • Have good conduct and reputation.
  • Submit a written application along with the registration fee and required documents.
  • Provide a written statement agreeing to the association’s bylaws.

 

The decision of acceptance or rejection is issued by the Board of Directors (or its representative) and officially communicated to the applicant via email.
In case of rejection, the membership fee will be refunded after deducting the specified administrative costs.

Members’ Rights

All members of the association are entitled to the following rights:

  • Participate in setting the general policies of the association.
  • Vote on the association’s resolutions.
  • Participate in the election of the Board of Directors or run for membership (for active members).
  • Review the association’s financial and administrative reports.
  • Submit proposals and initiatives.
  • Withdraw from membership in accordance with the bylaws.

Members’ Duties

Members are required to:

  • Adhere to professional ethics and standards.
  • Respect the association’s bylaws and ethical charter.
  • Implement the Board of Directors’ resolutions and contribute to achieving the association’s objectives.
  • Pay membership and annual fees within the specified period.

Termination of Membership

Membership may be terminated in the following cases:

  • Voluntary withdrawal from the association.
  • Loss of eligibility requirements.
  • Issuance of a dismissal decision.
  • Death.
  • Failure to pay membership fees for a continuous period (not less than three months and not exceeding one year) after receiving a formal warning.


The decision to terminate membership is issued by the Board of Directors. However, in the case of a Board member, termination is decided by the General Assembly in accordance with Article (20) of the bylaws.

Grounds for Dismissal

A member may be dismissed in the following cases:

  • If they commit an act that causes material or moral harm to the association.
  • If they misuse their membership for personal gain.

The member shall be notified of the Board’s decision within fifteen days of issuance.

Reinstatement of Membership

Membership may be reinstated for individuals whose membership was revoked due to non-payment of fees if they settle their outstanding dues within one year.

Membership Fees

  • Registration fee: 10 USD (or equivalent in local currency).
  • Annual membership fee: 10 USD (or equivalent in local currency).


The annual fee may be paid in full or in monthly or seasonal installments upon request, provided that the total amount is paid at least one month before the end of the association’s fiscal year.

If a member joins mid-year, the fee will be calculated proportionally to the remaining period.

Important Notes

  • Members, former members, or heirs of deceased members are not entitled to claim refunds of registration or membership fees, donations, or contributions made to the association.
  • Members are not entitled to claim any portion of the association’s funds unless a designated support or pension fund exists for that purpose.

 

Membership or Renewal Form

You can fill out the following form to apply for or renew your membership in the Syrian Association for Mental Health (SAMH):

Apply for or renew your membership