The Professional Training Subcommittee provides in-depth training of advanced skills for mental health expertise and health related professionals.

All professional workers with specialized professional training in psychiatry (e.g. psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists) or who are likely in regular contact with clients with mental health needs (e.g. social workers, general practitioners, counselors).

Professional Training Programmes

• In 2002, lectures were delivered to general practitioners in Tuen Mun Hospital's Community Medical Programme.
• In 2003, a special training kit titled "Continuing Medical Education Kit for General Practitioners on the Management of Depressive Illnesses", which focuses on topics in the update management of depression and suicide, was developed and has been made available to interested general practitioners in Hong Kong.
• In February 2006, a special tailor-made induction course was organised for newly recruited staff of SKH Rehab Complex in preparation for their opening. Various professionals from the IMH were invited to conduct training in the enhancement of skills and knowledge in helping clients with mental illnesses or learning disabilities.
• In June 2006, the IMH co-organised with Tuen Mun Hospital and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of the University of Hong Kong in conducting a seminar to general practitioners on suicide prevention. The main theme was to share the knowledge and skills in assessment of suicide.
• In November 2006, the IMH organised the first conference with the theme "From Hospital to Community – Psychiatric Care in the New Era". A total of 335 local and international guests attended the conference.
• In 2007, the IMH was invited by the New Territories West Private Practitioners' Network to run a “Certificate Course in Mood Disorders in Primary Care”.
• In May 2007, a five-day intensive training course on Cognitive Therapy was successfully held for over 60 mental health professionals.
• From October 2008 to January 2009, the IMH organised an eight-session training module titled “Mental Health Training Module for Colleagues in NTWC” for non-psychiatric colleagues.
• In March 2009, the IMH organised a half-day seminar on “Domestic Violence – New Perspective”. Five speakers from different professions were invited to present on various topics in domestic violence.
• In June 2010, the IMH organised a two-day workshop on Positive Psychology for professionals.
• In February 2011, two risk assessment workshops were held to strengthen healthcare professionals’ skills in using risk assessment tools.
• In September 2011, the IMH organised the second conference with the theme “From Science to Practice – Striving for Excellence in Mental Health Care”.
• In September 2012 and November 2013, Prof. Jesse H. WRIGHT from the United States was invited to deliver a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) training and an advanced CBT workshop respectively.
• In September 2014, Prof. Anthony W. BATEMAN from the United Kingdom was invited to conduct a three-day basic training on Mentalisation Based Therapy (MBT) for mental health professionals who need to manage patients with borderline personality disorder.
• In March 2015, Dr. Shuk-Wah Helen MA, experienced trainer in mindfulness was invited to conduct a one-day experiential workshop on “Nourishing Ourselves with Mindfulness”.
• In December 2015, Dr. Neha CHAWLA from the US, co-creator of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) was invited to deliver a two-day workshop on “Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Addictive Behaviours”.
• In May 2016, Dr. Shuk-Wah Helen MA, experienced trainer in mindfulness was invited to conduct a one-day experiential workshop on “Nourishing Ourselves with Mindfulness” (re-run).
• In November 2016, the IMH invited Prof. Mark DADDS from Australia to deliver a one-day workshop on “Integrated Approach in Treating Child Conduct Disorders”.
• In February 2017, Dr. Suzanne SO from the Department of Psychology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong was invited to conduct a two-day workshop on “Evidence-Based Cognitive Behavioural Strategies for Depression and Anxiety”.
• In October 2017, Dr. Robyn WALSER, a world-renowned clinical psychologist from the United States was invited to deliver a two-day workshop on “Basic Training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and its Application in a Busy Clinic”.
• In February 2018, Dr. Melanie FENNELL from the Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre & Oxford Mindfulness Centre, was invited to conduct a two-day workshop on “Cultivating Self-Esteem: A Transdiagnostic Cognitive-behavioural Perspective”.
• In November 2018, the IMH invited Prof. Joyce MA from the Department of Social Work, Chinese University of Hong Kong to conduct a two-day workshop on “Family Therapy for Depression and Anorexia Nervosa”.
• In January 2019, Dr. Rachel POON, a well-known clinical psychologist in Hong Kong, was invited to deliver a one-day workshop on “Parenting: Coaching and Empowering Parents”.
• In December 2019, Dr. Suzanne SO from the Department of Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong was invited again to deliver the two-day workshop on “Evidence-based Low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Strategies for Depression and Anxiety” (re-run).

OTHER TALKS AND SEMINARS

• In September 2002, a seminar on Pathological Gambling was conducted.
• In February 2003, a seminar on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Mental Illness was held.
• In June 2005, the IMH organised a seminar on Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia for professional carers working in elderly services (nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapist, health care assistants).
• In 2005-2007, the IMH participated in the overall planning and organising of Project SEPAL.