Opportunities and Limitations in Global Mental Health Training: A Qualitative Study of Jordanian Primary Care Physicians

Cultural stigma combined with limited available qualified mental health professionals in the setting of political conflict and a refugee crisis represent great challenges toward providing mental health care to patients in the country of Jordan. We conducted focus groups with eight physicians to evaluate the Global Mental Health Certificate Program (GMHC) a novel program for primary care physicians intended at improving mental health diagnosis and treatment utilizing psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. With the use of educational modules focused on mental health with major component on family therapy the program had positive impacts on information and attitude of mental health over and above other continuing education opportunities. However, it was also shown that stigma, time limitations, resources, and gaps in continuing education limit the application of these benefits. We provide recommendations for those teaching and designing mental health programs based on focus group recommendations and current literature.