Vejiyan MHPSS Unit Overview

The Vejiyan Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Untit is a specialized unit within KARA Organization for Awareness and Development, dedicated to addressing the (MHPSS) needs of individuals and communities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Vejiyan, a Kurdish word meaning “Revitalization” aims toward revitalizing mental health in the Kurdistan Region. Established in 2025, as the merging of Psychologia Group with KARA Organization, the unit works to promote mental health awareness, provide culturally adapted mental health and psychosocial support, and build the capacity of mental health professionals and community members.

A key focus of the Vejiyan MHPSS Unit is the contextualization of MHPSS approaches to align with the cultural, social, historical and linguistic context of the KRI. This includes adapting evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care to resonate with Kurdish cultural context. The unit also works to develop culturally relevant resources, such as mental health dictionaries, self-help guides, and educational modules, in the Kurdish language.

By integrating scientific approaches with local cultural context, the Vejiyan MHPSS unit strives to create a society where mental well-being is a cornerstone of sustainable development and peacebuilding. Our work is guided by the belief that mental health interventions must be culturally sensitive to achieve lasting impact.

Mission

The mission of the Vejiyan MHPSS Unit is to:

Conduct research to inform mental health interventions and policies.
Promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma through education and advocacy.
Build the capacity of mental health professionals and community workers to deliver high-quality, ethical care.
Advocate for the integration of mental health into broader development and peacebuilding initiatives.
Provide culturally adapted mental health and psychosocial support services to vulnerable communities.

Vision

The Vejiyan MHPSS Unit envisions to create a society in the Kurdistan Region where mental well-being is prioritized, accessible, and free from stigma.

Our Approach

At Vejiyan MHPSS Unit, we believe that mental health is not just about services, it’s about culture, community, and connection. Our approach is deeply contextualized, recognizing that psychological well-being is shaped by history, social structures, and lived experiences. We integrate scientific knowledge with local realities, ensuring that our interventions resonate with the people we serve.

A Multi-Level Support System

Guided by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s MHPSS Pyramid, we provide care at multiple levels—ranging from basic psychosocial support to specialized mental health services. Whether it’s a community-based initiative, structured psychological support, or direct clinical care, we strive to work toward quality improvement and contextualization at every stage of need.

Trauma-Informed, Healing-Centered

Living through conflict, displacement, and systemic challenges leaves lasting scars. That’s why our work is trauma-informed, designed to foster safety, resilience, and empowerment. We prioritize survivor-centered approaches that honor the voices and agency of those we support, helping individuals reclaim their sense of self and control over their healing journey.

Driven by Data, Guided by Experience

We listen to the stories of our communities, but we also let data speak. We strive for our work to be rooted in rigorous research, assessments, and monitoring, ensuring that every intervention is both relevant and impactful. By combining scientific evidence with real-world insights, we refine our methods to create lasting change.

Context Matters

A one-size-fits-all approach to mental health doesn’t work. That’s why we strive for cultural relevance in everything we do, from adapting CBT and trauma-informed care for Kurdish communities to developing mental health resources in the Kurdish language. By embedding mental health within the cultural and historical context, we break barriers and make support truly accessible.