• Program flier
• England, Sept 8-12, 2008
• Netherlands, October 6-10, 2008
• Australia & New Zealand, March 2-6, 2009  

• Apply to participate

Submit your application online, OR

Download the application to print and fax

Questions? Contact Kara Sweeney at KaraS@thenationalcouncil.org or 301.984.6200, ext. 223

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Program Overview

Mental illness and substance use are prevalent worldwide and there are striking similarities in symptoms across many populations and countries. At the same time, there is wide variation in treatment and supports around the globe. These different approaches offer unique opportunities to compare practices and strategies, exchange ideas, and build on what we know to foster quality improvement.

To help senior and emerging leaders from member organizations explore and better understand the range of possibilities practiced outside the United States, the National Council has instituted an International Exchange Program. Program partners are the NHS Confederation Mental Health Network, in partnership with the Care Services Improvement Partnership and the National Institute for Mental Health in England; Integrated Mental Health Services for Eindhoven, Geestelijke GeezondheisZorg Eindhoven en de Kampen – GGzE in the Netherlands; and the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership.

The program has three primary objectives:

• To facilitate learning about organizational, clinical, and financing practices across international mental health and substance use treatment systems;
• To promote the exchange of service improvement strategies, including the adoption of science advances and the application of information technologies; and
• To encourage the development of global leaders.

Travel and Host Dates  

• Visit the U.K. September 8-12, 2008 and host in the U.S. October 27-31, 2008
• Visit the Netherlands October 6-10, 2008 and host in the U.S. Spring/Summer 2009 
• Visit Australia/New Zealand March 2-6, 2009 and host in the U.S. Spring/Summer 2009 (IIMHL conference)

Participants

Participants are matched with overseas partner organizations in the U.K., the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand based upon their interests and expertise. They travel to the host countries where they learn about healthcare policy and service delivery; engage in conversations and exercises that introduce new ideas, concepts, and programs; and create invaluable virtual networks with colleagues from around the world.

They are exposed to strategies promoting consumer and family engagement designed to increase access, adherence, and retention in services; learn about scientific advances in prevention, early intervention, and treatment; and become acquainted with the position of behavioral health within overall health. They also have the opportunity to learn more about the overall healthcare system, as well as the policies of the host nation.

U.S. participants and other National Council members will have the opportunity to volunteer as hosts. Consequently, participants should have a commitment to ongoing networking with others in the program.

Benefits

Participating organizations can use the International Exchange Program opportunity to validate the dedication and commitment of senior employees, to enhance their profile as a groundbreaking organization committed to improving their own performance, and to contribute to the development of an international knowledge base for the improvement of mental health and substance use services.

Logistics

Participants are responsible for the costs of travel, accommodation, and meals. This includes booking you flights into and out of a specific city (London, Amsterdam, etc.). Hotel accommodations will be centrally booked, lodging participants in a group together wherever possible. There is no additional program fee.

Day 1 (Monday) will typically be spent in a single group and the
day is dedicated to an overview of the host nation’s behavioral healthcare system. Days 2-5 will be spent in smaller groups at host agencies within short travel times from the main city. You’ll be assigned to the small groups based on your expressed interest areas.

To join the National Council International Exchange Program, apply today. Hurry, space for each trip is limited.