Twenty-five psychologists, psychiatrists and other staff of penitentiary establishments, including the three pilot prisons, participated in a three-day (3-5 July 2017) training course on non-pharmacological treatment for inmates with mental health issues.

The participants, with the facilitation of an international consultant, discussed techniques used for effective interviewing, assessment of mental state of inmates,  identification of vulnerable inmates and choice of effective interventions for treating mental disorders. The participants also reviewed advantages, disadvantages, side-effects of pharmacological interventions, and use of non-pharmacological therapies, they also increased their knowledge of cognitive behaviour therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy methods.

Medical and non-medical staff of penitentiary establishments shared experiences in working with inmates with mental disorders and addictions. They emphasised the benefits of multi-disciplinary approach in early detection of signs of mental disorders and prevention of suicide, self-harm and harm to others.

The training was organised in the framework of the Joint Project of the European Union and Council of Europe “Further support to the penitentiary reform in Azerbaijan”, financed by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.