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THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILIATION

The World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation (WAPR), established in 1986 in France, has seen a steady growth in the last two decades.

This bears testimony to the recognition of the importance of prevention and reduction of social disability as a framework for the care of people with severe mental disorders, as well as those who have suffered from psychosocial problems as a result of extreme life experiences. In 1996 WAPR and the World Health Organization (WHO) jointly issued a “consensus statement” which defined psychosocial rehabilitation as a strategy that facilitates the opportunity for individuals impaired or disabled by mental disorder to reach their optimal level of functioning in the community, by improving individuals’ competencies and introducing environmental changes.

Today this concept of psychosocial rehabilitation has come of age and WAPR continues to bring to its programs and activities the rigor of scientific inquiry and field experiences that is marked by a humanistic view, the empowerment of persons struggling for a better quality of care and meaning in their lives, with equal attention to the social and political context within which these programs are conducted.

Membership to WAPR is open not only to mental health professionals, but administrators, policymakers, consumers and their relatives, advocates for mental health, researchers from various disciplines, including those involved in the evolving field of neuroscience. Hence, WAPR is a multidisciplinary scientific association as well as an advocacy group calling for the reduction of stigma against anything “mental” and more importantly the empowerment of those who have suffered from such negative discrimination.

WAPR provides a forum for all stakeholders to discuss updated and relevant issues concerning sustained mental health care and psychosocial rehabilitation and to share experiences in the implementation of clinical and community programs of psychosocial care, in the formulation of policies and in research. Today WAPR is recognized as a non-governmental organization with consultative status with the World Health Organization, the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the International Labor Office.

It also maintains close relations with the European Commission, the African Rehabilitation Institute and many other agencies worldwide It has many branches representing the six regions of the world consistent with the classification of the WHO. It therefore speaks to a worldwide audience able therefore, to reach those from low income as well as high income countries.


Lourdes Ladrido-Ignacio
WAPR President