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Challenges of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Acute Emergencies: A Survey Study of MHPSS

See Heng Yim^1,2, Sarah Davidson², Omar Salih Rasheed³

¹Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness

|September 14, 2026

Abstract

Introduction:

Individuals who experience psychological distress during acute emergencies require timely and effective psychosocial support. This study explores operational and systemic hurdles faced by mental health and psychosocial (MHPSS) practitioners worldwide to inform sustainable, contextually appropriate responses, policy development, and intersectoral collaboration.

Materials And Methods:

This study utilized a mixed-method survey. Participants (N = 45) were MHPSS staff and delegates covering four continents. Quantitative data were gathered through the ranking of operational, health-system, and government-level barriers, while qualitative data from open-ended questions were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results:

Top-ranked barriers were low awareness of the benefits of MHPSS, lack of prioritization within the health system, and absence of relevant policies for local authorities. Qualitative analyses identified themes including systemic under-prioritization, workforce quality-capacity gaps, and operational access constraints. MHPSS is frequently viewed as non-essential (a "nice-to-have" rather than lifesaving), resulting in delayed funding and fragmented coordination.

Conclusion:

The findings aim to inform policy development and intersectoral collaboration. Recognizing MHPSS as a fundamental, lifesaving element of humanitarian efforts is essential to improve response effectiveness and foster long-term resilience. Strengthening understanding and collaboration across sectors can ensure that MHPSS is prioritized alongside physical health, ultimately promoting recovery during emergencies.

Keywords:

MHPSS armed conflicts humanitarian crises humanitarian emergencies natural hazards survey

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