CAMHI, at the 14th Panhellenic Congress of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
07–09 November 2025, Conference Center of the Ancient Olive Grove (University of West Attica)
The Child & Adolescent Mental Health Initiative (CAMHI) participated actively in the 14th Panhellenic Congress of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry on Saturday, 8 November 2025, presenting its actions and programs. Its presence at such a significant scientific event highlights CAMHI’s vital role in strengthening and developing mental health services for children and adolescents in Greece, as well as its commitment to evidence-based and innovative support for young people. The Congress was organized by the Hellenic Society of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
The presentation was chaired by Dr. Anastasia Koumoula, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist and Director of CAMHI, and Nikos Zilikis, Emeritus Professor of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Member of CAMHI’s Scientific Coordination Committee. Their participation ensured scientific rigor and a cohesive presentation of the programs.
The CAMHI presentation, delivered by members of its Scientific Coordination Committee from its five hub centers, covered the following topics:
- Konstantinos Kotsis, Associate Professor of Child Psychiatry at the University of Ioannina Medical School, presented on research as a tool for program development within CAMHI. He emphasized the importance of gathering evidence-based data to understand the needs of children and adolescents and to shape interventions that promote their mental well-being.
- Katerina Papanikolaou, Professor of Child Psychiatry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, presented the Advanced Training Program for mental health professionals, highlighting successful practices and approaches aimed at strengthening professional skills in supporting children and adolescents.
- Maria Basta, Professor at the University of Crete Medical School, presented on the screening of mental health problems in the clinical practice of pediatricians, general practitioners, and mandatory service physicians, underscoring the importance of early identification and support through primary care.
- Evangelini Athanasopoulou, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist and Coordinating Director of the National Health System, presented on the collaboration between mental health services and judicial authorities, highlighting the value of inter-sectoral cooperation in protecting and supporting children and adolescents involved in complex justice-related cases.
- Dr. Vaios Dafoulis, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Director of the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Department at “Hippokration” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, and President of the Scientific Council of Psychiatry of the 4th Health District, presented on strengthening the school community’s mental health literacy. He emphasized the importance of training educators and school staff to recognize and support children facing mental health challenges.
CAMHI’s participation in the congress underscores its commitment to advancing child and adolescent mental health, continuously training professionals, and developing evidence-based and targeted interventions that respond to the needs of Greek society. Through its presence at the congress, CAMHI continues to make a substantial contribution to strengthening the mental health landscape for children and adolescents across Greece.
CAMHI’s programs are designed and implemented by a nationwide network of public-sector mental health institutions and professionals, in collaboration with the Child Mind Institute (New York) and with the support of the Ministry of Health.
The Child & Adolescent Mental Health Initiative is exclusively supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) as part of the SNF Global Health Initiative.