Towards Integrated Mental Health Support in a Post-Conflict Society

The 13th Annual Scientific Conference of the Syrian Association for Mental Health (SAMH) is convened in this edition as the first national mental health conference held inside Syria, under the auspices of the University of Damascus and the Faculty of Education.

The conference serves as a comprehensive national and scientific platform aimed at highlighting the current state of mental health in Syria after years of conflict, analyzing prevailing challenges, exploring recovery pathways, and contributing to the development of sustainable services grounded in professional standards and scientific evidence.

The conference will bring together leading Syrian experts and consultants at regional and international levels in psychiatry, psychotherapy, and psychosocial support, alongside representatives of governmental bodies, international organizations, civil society institutions, and the private sector—fostering integration among key stakeholders in the sector.

The conference seeks to promote specialized scientific dialogue, strengthen institutional coordination, and contribute to the formulation of a comprehensive national vision for advancing the mental health sector in Syria.

Date: 15–16 April 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Damascus Time)
Venue: University of Damascus
Attendance Mode: In-person + Online

Submission Guidelines for Scientific Papers and Posters

Scientific Papers (Oral Presentations)

Conference Themes

Scientific papers are accepted under the following themes:

• Mental health of children and adolescents after war

• Psychosocial support for survivors of trauma and violence

• The role of local associations and organizations in supporting mental health

• Community psychiatry and rebuilding services in affected areas

• Mental health of humanitarian and medical workers

• Recent developments in psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in fragile contexts

• Mental health in prisons and detention centers, and among released detainees

• Psychological media engagement in post-violence and post-trauma societies

• Use of technology in mental health services (tele-mental health, digital applications)

• Mental health strategy, mental health law, and regulation of mental health professions

Types of Accepted Papers

• Original Research

• Review Articles

• Case Reports

• Policy / Practice Papers

• Field Experience Papers

Abstract Requirements

• Language: Arabic or English

• Word count: 250–300 words

• Must include:

  • Scientific background

  • Study objectives

  • Methodology

  • Results

  • Conclusion and recommendations

The following information must accompany the abstract:

• Full name of the author/presenter

• Short biographical note

• Academic or professional affiliation

• Email address

• Phone number

• Proposed presentation type (Oral)

Review and Acceptance

• All submissions will undergo scientific peer review by the Conference Scientific Committee.

• Applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection via email.

The Scientific Committee reserves the right to:

• Accept the paper

• Accept it with required revisions

• Convert the oral presentation into a poster presentation

Poster Submission Guidelines

Poster Topics

Posters may address the same conference themes, with particular encouragement for:

• Preliminary research

• Graduation projects

• Psychological intervention programs

• Field experience reports

Poster Abstract Requirements

• Word count: 200–250 words

• Must include:

  • Title

  • Objective

  • Brief methodology

  • Results or key lessons learned

  • Full presenter information

Technical Specifications (Printed / Electronic Poster)

• Size: A0 (Vertical)

• Language: Arabic or English

• Must include:

  • Clear title (bilingual if possible)

  • Authors’ names and institutional affiliation

  • Brief introduction

  • Methodology

  • Results

  • Conclusion

  • Short reference list

• Use of figures and tables is encouraged

• Clear fonts, appropriate color contrast, and readability are required

Poster Presentation

• Presenters must attend for discussion if submitting a printed poster.

• Posters may be submitted electronically in PDF format, including the name of the Syrian Association for Mental Health.

General Conditions

• The research must not have been previously published or submitted to another conference.

• Compliance with research ethics and patient rights is mandatory.

• Authors bear full responsibility for the scientific content.

Deadline for abstract submission: 15 March 2026

Submissions should be sent to:
Samhcoordination@gmail.com