RG Transcultural Psychiatry

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.

As part of the EQUICARES project, the working group has published Deliverable 1.1, Identifying barriers and facilitators to access to mental health for vulnerable groups in European countries. You can find the report here. You can access the website for the entire EQUICARES project here. 

Flyer EQUICARES

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.