University of Duhok – August 7 2025 | University Press Office | As part of its strategic commitment to enhancing mental health education, the University of Duhok (UOD) leadership visited the new site of the Institute for Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology (IPP), now under renovation at the former College of Fine Arts building.

The President of the University, Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, and the Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Dr. Dilshad Abduljabbar Haleem, toured the premises, which will house both the institute’s academic programs and a specialized addiction treatment center. The renovation is expected to be completed by the end of August.

Expanding International Postgraduate Education in Mental Health

The new 500-square-meter facility is being adapted to better serve the needs of postgraduate students in psychotherapy, particularly those enrolled in the Master’s in Psychotherapy Program—a prestigious dual degree program jointly run by UOD and the University of Baden-Württemberg (Germany).

The ground floor of the building will include modern study halls, training spaces, and faculty offices, while the upper floor will become an addiction therapy center, the first of its kind within UOD. The center is designed to serve the public with evidence-based therapeutic practices while providing students with hands-on clinical experience.

Leadership Remarks and Institutional Commitment

President Atrushi praised the efforts of the Directorate of Engineering and Projects, led by Mr. Haji Ismael Ahmed, which is overseeing the renovation based on high architectural and technical standards. He commended the directorate’s role in fulfilling UOD’s long-term infrastructure development goals.

During the tour, Dr. Dilshad Haleem emphasized the university's focus on creating educational environments that support both academic performance and student well-being. He described the new building as "a significant enhancement in student life and learning infrastructure."

Dr. Dr. Bohar Suleiman Isa, Vice Dean of IPP, affirmed the value of the space in supporting the institute’s educational and therapeutic missions. She noted, "This development will positively impact the academic journey of our students and support our growing role in regional mental health services."

IPP's Next Milestone: Student Intake for Academic Year 2025–2026

IPP is set to admit 30 postgraduate students for the 2025–2026 academic year. Admission exams and interviews will take place on August 20, in collaboration with German academic staff and government. It has a dual-degree program between the University of Duhok, Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW), University of Tübingen, and the TCultHS Project, This marks another milestone in UOD’s international academic cooperation and its support for applied psychology and psychotherapy training.

Aligned with UOD’s Strategic Vision

The relocation and expansion of IPP directly contribute to UOD’s Strategic Plan, which emphasizes:

• International partnerships in higher education
  
  
• Mental health and social well-being initiatives
  
  
• Capacity building in postgraduate programs
  
  

These efforts position the University of Duhok as a regional leader in interdisciplinary health education, innovation, and student-centered learning.

Click here to view photos from the visit
Click here to read more about the IPP program at UOD

University Press Office, August 7, 2025

Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali
Photography by: Harman Jangeer Ahmed

The News Keywords:

• University of Duhok IPP
  
  
• Mental Health Education Iraq
  
  
• Dual Degree in Psychotherapy

• Addiction Therapy Center Kurdistan
  
  
• UOD Strategic Plan