The Department of Psychological Medicine & Mental Health
The Department of Psychological Medicine & Mental Health is dedicated to the teaching and study of, research, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders, as well as the promotion of psychological well-being. We integrate clinical psychiatry, psychotherapy and behavioural medicine to provide a comprehensive, patient-centred approach to mental health care. Through a combination of theoretical instruction, clinical training and applied research, we prepare future healthcare professionals to recognise, assess and manage a wide range of psychiatric and psychological conditions.
Beyond the classroom and clinic, the Department is actively engaged in public education and advocacy to raise awareness and improve access to quality mental health services. Through collaboration with healthcare institutions, policymakers and international organisations, we contribute to the design and implementation of sustainable mental health systems and evidence-based policies.
Academic Programmes
The Department offers the Combined Bachelor and Master of Science in Psychology programme with three specialisations: Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, and Neuropsychology. This six-year programme equips graduates with both foundational academic knowledge and advanced clinical competencies.
- Bachelor’s Phase (Years 1-4): Focus on core psychological sciences, complemented by clinical attachments during vacation periods.
- Master’s Phase (Years 5-6): Intensive practicum-based clinical training at Ho Teaching Hospital and other accredited facilities, with rotations in clinical departments and allied institutions.
Graduates receive a Bachelor’s degree at the end of Year 4 and a Master of Science degree at the end of Year 6, positioning them for specialist practice, research and leadership roles in mental health care.
Specialisation Areas
- Clinical Psychology: Assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders; work in hospitals, schools, industries and as consultants on workplace mental health.
- Counselling Psychology: Support for individuals facing personal, educational, career, relational and life-stage challenges; practice across diverse sectors nationwide.
- Neuropsychology: Diagnosis and management of brain-related behavioural disorders in collaboration with neurologists; addressing conditions arising from injury or dysfunction.
Given Ghana’s shortage of trained psychologists, this programme addresses a critical workforce gap, producing graduates with the skills and adaptability to meet national and global mental health needs.
Mission
To educate and train students in mental health care, psychological assessment and psychiatric treatment, promoting holistic well-being through evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Vision
To be a centre of excellence in mental health education and research, driving advancements in psychiatric care, psychological well-being and public mental health policy.
Functions
The Department of Psychological Medicine & Mental Health is committed to delivering comprehensive, multidisciplinary training that equips students with the theoretical knowledge, clinical expertise and interpersonal skills necessary to address a broad spectrum of mental health challenges across diverse populations. The Department’s academic and clinical curriculum spans psychiatry, psychotherapy, behavioural medicine, neuropsychiatry and addiction medicine, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to work in a variety of healthcare settings.
Students benefit from extensive hands-on training through supervised clinical rotations in psychiatric hospitals, general hospital mental health units, rehabilitation centres and community-based facilities. These placements enable them to develop competence in conducting mental health assessments, formulating treatment plans, delivering psychotherapy, administering psychopharmacological interventions and supporting patients through crisis management and long-term rehabilitation. Special emphasis is placed on culturally sensitive care, effective communication and the reduction of mental health stigma.
Research is a cornerstone of the Department’s mission. Faculty and students actively engage in studies investigating the causes, prevalence and treatment of mental and neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as the evaluation of therapeutic interventions, including pharmacological treatments, psychotherapy modalities and community-based rehabilitation programmes. Research also extends into the fields of neuroscience, neuroimaging and mental health policy, contributing to advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and service delivery.
In partnership with healthcare institutions, governmental agencies and non-governmental organisations, the Department supports national mental health awareness campaigns, school-based prevention initiatives and workplace mental health programmes. Community outreach activities focus on early detection, suicide prevention, substance abuse intervention and promoting mental wellness through public education and advocacy.
The Department integrates modern technologies into both teaching and clinical services, including telepsychiatry for remote consultations, digital mental health platforms for self-help and therapy and advanced neuroimaging for research and diagnosis. These innovations not only expand access to care but also ensure that training remains aligned with the latest global best practices.
By combining rigorous academic preparation, practical clinical exposure, cutting-edge research and community engagement, the Department of Psychological Medicine & Mental Health positions itself as a leader in shaping the future of mental healthcare in Ghana and the wider subregion.
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