In some cases, a psychiatrist and a psychologist work together, while in other cases the psychiatrist takes the lead. Psychologists handle counseling training for local psychologists and psychological support volunteers. They take the cultural background of the country in question into consideration to provide a flexible, broad range of psychotherapy, including approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Most people who receive mental care speak the local language, so counseling is provided through an English- or French-speaking interpreter. Therefore, it is also important to provide guidance and training to local interpreters.
Activities
- Conduct individual consultation in clinical practice as a clinical psychologist
- Support programs and teams by proposing improvements in line with MSF's goals and strategies
- Improve working environment as needed and coordinate team efforts
- Plan training for staff and conduct evaluations, supervision, etc.
- Refer patients to appropriate local facilities as needed
- Submit activity reports and manage data (patient files, forms, statistics, databases, etc.)