Affiliation:
Psychiatry Department at the Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut
Short bio:
Dr. Khoury is a professor and clinical psychologist at the Psychiatry Department at the Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, where she serves as the Vice Chair for psychological affairs. She is the founding director of the Clinical Psychology Training Program, and the Director of the Arab Regional Center for Research and Training in Mental Health.
Her main activities revolve around her clinical work, teaching, supervising psychology graduate students and conducting research. Her research interests focus on issues related to sexuality and reproductive health, refugee mental health, and comparing psychology across international settings.
Dr. Khoury was elected as the vice president of the founding board of the Lebanese Order of Psychologists in 2022.
She is a member of the American Psychological Association, where she was the past president for Division 52 (International Psychology). She served as the regional vice president for East Mediterranean region in the World Federation for mental health, and is currently the corporate secretary. She is also the vice president of the Arab Union of Psychological Science, and on the executive committee of the International Union of Psychological Science.
Dr. Khoury is a consultant for the World Health Organization, and several NGOs and UN bodies.
Title:
GLOBAL PSYCHOLOGY IN THE 21ST CENTURY: THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
Abstract:
In the age of globalization, psychologists are often seeking employment or volunteering positions in international settings. In addition, it is anticipated that most psychologists will be offering services to individuals who are not from their own country nor culture. In the recent years, the reality of global migration has brought the lack of understanding of mental health needs across different cultures into sharp focus. Psychology programs are not up to date on global issues and are often experienced as inadequate in preparing graduates to meet the challenges of society today. In this symposium, the speaker will discuss the various roles psychologists need to have, moving away from the more traditional role of clinician/educator/researcher, as well as the variety of contexts and work settings they may find themselves working in. The presentation will also explore essential aspects and skills that psychologists need to learn to be prepared to work globally with various populations, and to expand their skills beyond service providing, to more management and policy work. Topics such as human rights and social justice, advocacy, health management and policy making, leadership and management skills will be addressed as important competencies to be gained during the education and training of 21st century future psychologists.