Abstract

250,000 people were displaced within Croatia as a result of the armed conflict in the period from 1991- 1995. This also created an additional burden on the Croatian mental health system. The openings of many community-based mental health and psychosocial programs suppported by the international community in Croatia at that time created an oppportunity to further development of Croatian community mental health services. This paper describes the „Center for Attitudinal Healing“ (CAH)  mental health / psychosocial program with the overall objective to plant a seed for the development of community mental health services in Croatia. Specific objectives of the program were: (1) to support people in their emotional recovery from catastrophic events; (2) to train and manage a large cadre of volunteers in mental health / psychosocial support skills, and (3) to provide workshops, trainings and peer-support groups focused on mental health / psychosocial issues. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were used for the purpose of program evaluation. Qualitative data collection methods included open-ended semi structured in-depth interviews, structured focus groups, and unstructured participant observation performed by the external evaluator. Quantitative data collection method included a survey of program beneficiaries.The results showed that the program was successful in promoting peer-support approach and improving mental health /psychosocial wellbeing of beneficiaries in three targeted areas in Croatia. It was not successful in planting seed for the development of community mental health services nationwide because of poor linkages with the Croatian government health sector and lack of financial sustainabilty.

Key words: Psychosocial, mental health, community, conflict, internally displaced people,refugees,Croatia.