We are thrilled to share that eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC)’s Executive Director Professor Anil Thapliyal delivered the opening Plenary Keynote address at the 16th International Congress on Psychopharmacology & Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology/Psychotherapy, held in Antalya, Turkey on April 23, 2025.
This year’s congress theme, “Innovation at the Intersection: Exploring the Convergence of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, and AI,” could not have been more relevant given the growing demand for mental health services globally.
The keynote address, titled “Beyond the Clinic: Rethinking Mental Health Access, From Stigma to Support Through Digital Solutions,” focused on innovative ways to enhance mental health access, particularly in challenging environments.
A Humanitarian Backdrop: Türkiye’s Refugee Response
Prior to the congress, it was eye-opening to learn that Türkiye is home to the world’s largest refugee population, with nearly 3.2 million Syrians under temporary protection and approximately 222,000 additional refugees and asylum seekers of various nationalities. The immense challenges faced by these individuals—stemming from violence, war, and basic needs shortages—highlight the critical importance of effective mental health systems.
“How do we support individuals who have experienced such significant trauma—war, displacement, food insecurity, injury—at scale?” Anil asked.
The congress provided a space for exploring such questions with empathy and innovation.
Innovation in Action
At the congress, delegates witnessed a wealth of innovative approaches aimed at improving mental health access for vulnerable populations.
Solutions ranged from digital triage tools and culturally tailored care models to the integration of AI in clinical decision-making. The collective commitment to ensuring timely, inclusive access to mental health care was evident in every session.
Shared Challenges, Shared Solutions
Across Türkiye and around the world, the challenges in mental health access are strikingly similar—and so are the opportunities for transformation. As Anil reflected, “Innovation doesn’t belong to any one country. The most powerful solutions emerge when we collaborate, share, and learn from each other.”
eMHIC’s regular invitations to speak at leading global events highlight our commitment to shaping best practices in the rapidly evolving mental health landscape.
We’re excited to continue sharing insights and working together on innovative solutions that improve mental health access worldwide.
Stay tuned for more updates from eMHIC!
