GCMHP was established in 1990 by the renowned Palestinian psychiatrist and human rights defender, Dr. Eyad El-Sarraj, as an independent, non-governmental, and non-profit Palestinian organization. Since its inception, GCMHP has worked to respond to the urgent need for community-based mental health services in the Gaza Strip by providing comprehensive and specialized mental health care to the population.
GCMHP delivers its services through three community centers located in Gaza City, Deir El-Balah, and Khan Younis. These centers are staffed by multidisciplinary teams including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, rehabilitation and occupational therapists, pharmacists, and medical secretaries. The programme provides preventive and curative services across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, including consultations, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy.
In recognition of GCMHP’s ongoing work for nearly three decades, the Programme and its founder, the late Dr. Eyad El Sarraj, were awarded many prestigious international awards in the fields of Mental Health and Human Rights.
GCMHP works within strategic plans which are developed on a regular basis according to the needs of the community.
We believe in the values of integrity, transparency, social responsibility, good governance and respect for human rights.
The Programme has an executive administration which implements action plans and is held accountable before the Board of Directors. The latter is part of the General Assembly of the programme which consists of thirty five members from various professional and social backgrounds.
Vision
Gaza Community Mental Health Programme is a leading organisation in the fields of mental health and human rights in Palestine.
Mission
GCMHP promotes and delivers trauma-informed mental health services to the Palestinian community in the Gaza Strip, mitigating collective trauma and fostering healing and resilience, ensuring comprehensive support for all.