RG Transcultural Psychiatry
Head
Physician | Scientific staff | Co-Head: RG Transcultural Psychiatry
Dr. med. Alexander Moldavski
Senior physician | Specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy | Medical assessment (DGNB) | Co-Head: RG Transcultural Psychiatry
Dr. med. Suna Su Aksay
Description
The Research Group for Transcultural Psychiatry investigates how mental disorders emerge, are perceived, and treated in transcultural contexts. In collaboration with the AG SNiP, the Department of Public Mental Health, the AG Health Services Research, and various external partners, we study risk and resilience factors for mental health among individuals with migration and refugee experiences. Our goal is to develop personalized treatment approaches and rapidly translate research findings into clinical practice—supported by our close connection to the Transcultural Center.
Key Research Areas:
Psychotherapeutic Interventions in a Transcultural Context:
- A randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of different group psychotherapy protocols for traumatized Ukrainian refugees (EMDR-G-TEP vs. stabilization group) in collaboration with the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine at Heidelberg University Hospital
Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Care:
- Anti-stigma and information campaign (in collaboration with the Paris School of Economics, MIT, the Federal Institute for Population Research, and Ulm University Hospital) to improve access to psychiatric and psychotherapeutic services for Ukrainian refugees.
- EQUICARES (EU Project)—focusing on improving access to mental healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Digital Mental Health:
- Validation of Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) items in Ukrainian and Turkish clinical samples to develop culturally sensitive digital assessment tools.
Global Mental Health Projects:
- Clinical partnership projects (GIZ), capacity building in psychotraumatology in Ukraine.
Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit (ZI) - https://www.zi-mannheim.de