Our webinar will focus on digital mental health and its role in addressing psychological needs in crisis-affected populations. The discussion will be divided into two key projects: (1) eMHPSS for Humanitarian and Conflict Zones, exploring the role of electronic mental health and psychosocial support in providing services in challenging environments, and (2) AI and Mental Health for Kurdish-Speaking Populations, examining the development and potential of AI-driven mental health chatbots for underserved linguistic groups.

eMHPSS for Humanitarian and Conflict Zones

Mental health support in conflict zones and humanitarian settings faces significant obstacles, including displacement, security risks, and shortages of trained professionals. eMHPSS offers a scalable and accessible approach to providing psychological support, yet there are ongoing challenges in integration, training, and infrastructure. This segment will discuss our efforts to implement and improve eMHPSS solutions within humanitarian response frameworks.

AI and Mental Health for Kurdish-Speaking Populations

Despite the growing use of AI in mental health, there is a severe lack of digital tools tailored to the Kurdish language, leaving millions without accessible mental health support. Our project addresses this gap by developing AI-powered mental health chatbots designed for Kurdish speakers, ensuring linguistic and cultural relevance while tackling challenges such as limited training datasets, ethical considerations, and adaptation to local mental health needs.

Key Discussion Points:

eMHPSS in Humanitarian and Conflict Zones:

• How can eMHPSS be effectively integrated into humanitarian settings?
• What are the primary barriers to its adoption and implementation?
• How can we enhance training and accessibility for frontline workers?
• What are the ethical and cultural considerations in digital mental health interventions?

AI and Mental Health for Kurdish-Speaking Populations:

• What are the challenges in developing AI-driven mental health tools for underrepresented languages?
• How can AI be used to enhance mental health support while maintaining cultural sensitivity?
• What ethical concerns and data privacy considerations should be addressed?
• How can AI chatbots complement traditional mental health services for Kurdish communities?