Main description:

Ethics for Global Mental Health examines the limitations of current normative approaches to global mental health (GMH) work and argues for a values-based framework that prioritizes accountability and contextual relevance of humanitarian and profession-specific values. It cautions against using aspirational ideals as operational guidance. Chapters are organized around challenges arising in humanitarian research, disaster relief, post-conflict recovery, fieldwork, and refugee resettlement and are designed to equip readers with strategies for resolving professional dilemmas and negotiating conflicting priorities. Also included is a sample training curriculum as well as case studies and exercises that help professionals address countertransference and burnout, and recognize ethically questionable practices such as trauma tourism, rescuer fantasy, or savior complex.

Contents:

Introduction and Overview 1. Global Mental Health in a Changing World 2. Contemporary Humanitarianism 3. Humanitarian Ethics 4. Professional and Personal Challenges in in Humanitarian Work 5. Managing Ethical Challenges in Global Mental Health 6. Aspirational Guidance: Principles of Humanitarian Assistance 7. Operational Guidance: IASC Guidelines 8. Ethical Dilemmas: Damned if You Do and Damned if You Don't 9. Ethically Questionable Practices 10. Safety Imperative and Self-Care 11. Values-Based Ethical Framework and Core Competencies in Global Mental Health 12. Ethical Considerations for the Refugee Mental Health Providers in USA 13. Conclusion and Future Directions