Ethics for Global Mental Health ― From Good Intentions to Humanitarian Accountability

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.

Elena Cherepanov, PhD, is a professor at Cambridge College where she founded one of the first certificate programs in trauma studies in the United States. She is also the behavioral health lead for refugee integrated care at Lynn Community Health Center in Massachusetts. Dr. Cherepanov received a Carol Hacker Award for her excellence in trauma work and has worked across the globe with multiple humanitarian organizations. She is the author of over 50 papers and books translated into different languages.