CAMHI, at the 21st International ESCAP Congress in Strasbourg
From June 29 to July 1, 2025, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiative participated in the 21st International Congress of the European Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (ESCAP), held in Strasbourg in partnership with SFPEADA.
Under the theme “Beyond Nature & Nurture”, the congress brought together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and mental health professionals from across Europe to explore the complex interplay of biological, environmental, and sociocultural factors influencing the mental development of children and adolescents.
Contributing to the Global Dialogue
CAMHI participated in the scientific symposium focused on the implementation and integration of evidence-based interventions in public mental health systems, with particular emphasis on the work carried out through its five regional Hub Centers in Greece.
During the session, CAMHI presented findings from the pilot implementation of its Advanced Training program for child psychiatrists and psychologists working in public child and adolescent mental health units. The presentation highlighted the program’s focus on strengthening clinical skills, evaluating training effectiveness, and providing structured feedback — all within a unified national approach.
On June 30, the following topics were presented:
- “Breaking Barriers to Quality Care at a National Level”
Prof. Konstantinos Kotsis, University of Ioannina & Head of CAMHI's Hub Center in Ioannina - “Bridging Justice and Wellness: Mental Health Training for Judiciary Professionals”
Prof. Nikos Zilikis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki & Head of CAMHI's Hub Center in Thessaloniki - “Empowering Educators: Advancing Mental Health Literacy in Schools”
Dr. Lilian Athanasopoulou, General Hospital of Thessaloniki “G. Papanikolaou” & Head of CAMHI's Hub Center in Thessaloniki - “Building Expertise: Enhancing Public Mental Health Professionals’ Capacity in Evidence-Based Psychotherapy”
Prof. Dr. Aikaterini Papanikolaou, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens & Head of CAMHI's Hub Center in Athens - “Empowering Pediatricians: Integrating Mental Health Screening into Clinical Practice”
Prof. Dr. Maria Basta, University of Crete & Head of CAMHI's Hub Center in Crete
Strengthening International Connections
CAMHI's presence at ESCAP 2025 also provided an opportunity to reinforce connections with European and international research networks and professional associations. Meetings with researchers and representatives from various countries highlighted shared challenges—such as the need for systematic prevention strategies within primary care, and the lack of coordinated policies on child mental health—and opened the door for future collaborations.
CAMHI also presented recent developments in training and clinical supervision through the work of its Hub Centers across Greece’s health regions and discussed the importance of establishing a cross-national framework for sharing experiences and validated methodologies. Its collaborative model—linking public services, academic teams, and civil society organizations—sparked interest and dialogue among international attendees.
A Message of Continuity and Progress
CAMHI's participation in this year’s ESCAP congress marked not just a formal presence but a meaningful milestone in its ongoing work to reimagine how child and adolescent mental health is addressed in Greece. Grounded in evidence-based practices, institutional partnerships, and the voices of young people themselves, CAMHI continues to help shape a more inclusive, responsive, and effective care system.
In 2027, CAMHI plans to present the next phase of its work at the upcoming ESCAP Congress, which will be held in Athens.
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiative—developed in partnership with the Child Mind Instituteand exclusively supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) as part of its Global Health Initiative—remains committed to strengthening the public care system, with a focus on prevention, early intervention, and equitable access to high-quality mental health services for all children and adolescents in Greece.
Learn more about our training programs here