The Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with Kesehatan Mental Tuli Indonesia (KMTI), organized a training titled “Bridging Minds: Mental Health Training for Deaf Leaders and Mental Health Professionals” on 20–21 November 2025 at the Faculty of Psychology UGM. This activity is part of a broader initiative to strengthen inclusive mental health support for Deaf communities in Indonesia.
KMTI is a working group that, since 2018, has focused on the mental well‑being of Deaf communities in Indonesia. Together with Gerkatin and Pusbisindo, KMTI has actively developed research, seminars, and training that highlight the importance of Deaf‑friendly mental health services. The training was open to Deaf leaders from various communities and to mental health professionals, with support from The Starbucks Foundation, Gerkatin, the Indonesian Sign Language Center (Pusbisindo), and the Faculty of Psychology UGM.
The two‑day training involved around 30 participants. The first day focused on Deaf leaders from different organizations and communities, while the second day was dedicated to mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and related practitioners). The sessions were designed to explore mental health issues within Deaf communities—including stigma, barriers to accessing services, and the role of peer support—examine access to and understanding of mental health services from both Deaf and professional perspectives, train effective communication and collaborative dialogue between community leaders and professionals, and develop follow‑up plans so that participants can continue the initiatives in their respective regions.
Through this Yogyakarta edition of “Bridging Minds,” KMTI and the Faculty of Psychology UGM aim not only to provide information, but also to genuinely strengthen participants’ capacities. Deaf leaders are encouraged to become the front line of mental health support in their own communities; they are invited to recognize signs of psychological distress, build support networks, and organize responses that are sensitive to Deaf experiences. At the same time, mental health professionals are invited to deepen their understanding of the life context, language, culture, and specific needs of Deaf individuals, so that clinical interactions focus not only on symptoms but also on the social realities that shape them. Through a series of discussions, case studies, and communication exercises, the training equips professionals with practical knowledge and skills to deliver services that are more responsive, inclusive, and truly accessible for Deaf clients. Overall, the program is designed as a collaborative space where Deaf leaders and mental health professionals can learn from one another, formulate joint strategies, and expand the reach of Deaf‑friendly mental health services in Yogyakarta and surrounding areas.
One of the speakers emphasized the crucial role of sign language for Deaf people. “Sign language needs to be taught from an early age. When Deaf children are exposed to sign language at the same age that hearing children start learning spoken language, their language abilities can develop on an equal level,” said Herbert Klein, Independent Deaf Advisor in Mental Health. “In Indonesia, sign language has not yet been recognized as an official language. In fact, such recognition is essential to bridge Deaf clients who experience mental health problems with the services they need. Many Deaf people have multiple identities—not only as Deaf, but also as individuals with conditions such as dementia—so adequate language support is key to ensuring that they can truly access mental health services.” He further noted that supporting the mental health of Deaf people requires sustained commitment from many stakeholders.
All sessions were conducted with the support of sign language interpreters, and the training materials were adapted to ensure optimal accessibility for Deaf participants.
The training featured speakers and facilitators from Indonesia and abroad, including:
- Adhesatya Ningsih, M.Psi., Psychologist – Clinical Psychologist, ANIMO
- Dr. Rivo Mario Warouw Lintouran, Sp.KJ – Psychiatrist and Lecturer
- Herbert Klein – Independent Deaf Advisor in Mental Health
- Dr. Sally Austen – Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Bringing together diverse disciplinary and cultural backgrounds, the speakers enriched the discussion on how to build more inclusive mental health practices for Deaf communities.
Through this program, the Faculty of Psychology UGM reaffirms its commitment to developing inclusive psychological education and practice, expanding networks with Deaf communities and civil society organizations, and supporting research and innovation in mental health services that are accessible to all groups, including Deaf individuals. The “Bridging Minds” training in Yogyakarta is expected not only to be a one‑off activity, but also to open the door to more sustainable collaboration between academia and communities in advancing equitable mental health for all.
Writer: Raden Roro Anisa Anggi Dinda