The International Institute of Geopsychiatry emphasises the connections between macro and global factors and local mental health consequences.
Who we are
Founded in 2025 after a landmark symposium at the University of Bern, the International Institute of Geopsychiatry is dedicated to advancing geopsychiatry based on the principles of the 2024 Bern Declaration. Through support for research, education, and policy in geopsychiatry, the Institute explores how macro and geopolitical forces shape mental health, emphasising the importance of culturally-sensitive interventions. The work of the Institute is underpinned by prestigious Collaborative Centres and Partners across the world, together with expert Fellows, a newly growing Advisory Board, an Emerging Academic Group and a dedicated Leadership Council.
Bern Declaration 2024
In 2024, a group of international psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health researchers gathered in Bern (Switzerland) for a symposium dedicated to geopsychiatry. These attendees developed a core set of guiding principles and paths forward to further develop geopsychiatry, including committing to establishing the International Institute of Geopsychiatry. This document underpins the missions and strategies of the Institute as an entity for promoting geopsychiatry globally and locally.
What is geopsychiatry?
The subdiscipline of geopsychiatry in its modern form was originally developed by our Founding Patron, Dr. Albert Persaud, and aims to deepen the understanding of how global factors, including (but not limited to) conflicts, climate change, migration, inequalities, disasters, and public health crises profoundly influence mental health and the practice of psychiatry at a local level. Due to its expansive scope, geopsychiatry is inherently interdisciplinary and interprofessional, accentuating bidirectional partnerships across the world. Equally, geopsychiatry is rooted in principles of social justice, cultural relevance, and respect for human rights.
Watch the Distinguished Founding President of the International Institute of Geopsychiatry, Prof. Dr. Dinesh Bhugra CBE, and one of our Senior Fellows, Dr. Helena Moura, explain the mission, scope, and ethos that underpins geopsychiatry.
The Leadership Council of the International Institute of Geopsychiatry is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the Institute and for strategic development, coordination, and oversight between the Collaborative Centres, the Fellows, and the Advisory Board.
Watch the Founding Patron of the International Institute of Geopsychiatry, Dr. Albert Persaud, explain the intersections between geopsychiatry, geopolitics, and global mental health. This talk was delivered at a symposium hosted by the Pakistan Psychiatric Research Centre, Fountain House, where one of our Collaborative Centres is based.
Collaborative Centres and Partners
