The Implementation Science in Mental Health Course aims to build the capacity of early and mid-career mental health researchers, practitioners, implementers, and policymakers across the globe, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with the methods and tools to design, adapt, deliver, and scale evidence-based mental health interventions.
Implementation science is the scientific study of methods to promote the systematic uptake of research findings and proven interventions within real-world public systems, thereby improving the quality, effectiveness and reach of services.
Mental health conditions represent a major global public health challenge, with LMICs bearing a disproportionate share of the burden. Despite strong evidence on effective interventions, an estimated 70–90% of people with mental health conditions do not receive any appropriate care. A key challenge is the "know-do gap" between discovery and application: i.e., what is proven to work and what is delivered in real-world settings. Translating evidence into practice is often slow and uneven. Globally, it can take up to 10-15 years for evidence-based interventions to translate into routine practice, and many countries continue to struggle to adapt and scale these approaches within resource-constrained systems.
Addressing this gap requires a rigorous, scientific understanding of how interventions are adopted, implemented, and sustained across diverse contexts. This course focuses on the principles, frameworks, and methods of implementation science, equipping participants to critically examine implementation processes, identify contextual barriers and facilitators, and design strategies to support the effective integration of evidence into policy and practice. Through applied learning, case studies, and real-world examples, participants will develop the competencies needed to advance implementation science and contribute to scaling equitable, high-quality mental health care globally.
While several courses on implementation science exist, this course, led by the Centre for Mental Health Law & Policy, ILS, and the Addictions and Related-Research Group at Sangath, is the first of its kind to focus on mental health in LMIC contexts, addressing the unique contextual challenges relevant to these settings.
This course is designed for a global audience of early-and mid-career professionals focused on mental health research, policy, and practice, particularly in LMICs.
The course is conducted in English and is particularly relevant for individuals looking to strengthen their ability to study the tools, methods, and frameworks required to translate evidence-based solutions for mental health into practice.
Explain key theories, frameworks, and methods in implementation science
Design contextually appropriate & scalable mental health interventions
Evaluate implementation strategies using appropriate research designs & indicators
Apply systems thinking to strengthen implementation within complex health systems
Develop strategies for scaling up & sustaining interventions
Engage effectively with policymakers and stakeholders to integrate evidence into practice
Develop and present compelling funding proposals and communicate program impact