Ariful Islam

I am a dedicated mental health professional with hands-on experience in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) within humanitarian settings. I have been actively involved in providing psychological counseling, conducting psychosocial assessments, and supporting individuals experiencing emotional distress, trauma, and mental health challenges.

Currently, I am working at Hope Field Hospital, Ukhiya, where I contribute to delivering integrated mental health services. My role includes developing internal and external referral pathways, ensuring coordinated care, and supporting patients through evidence-based interventions such as Problem Management Plus (PM+), Psychological First Aid (PFA), and basic trauma counseling.

I possess strong skills in leadership, team management, and public speaking, enabling me to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and engage with diverse communities. I am passionate about improving access to mental health services and reducing stigma, especially among vulnerable populations.

With a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, I strive to enhance the quality of care and contribute meaningfully to the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities.

• Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Practitioner

Hope Field Hospital, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar

Duration: [18/09/2025 – Present]

Provided individual psychological counseling to patients experiencing stress, trauma, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

Conducted psychosocial assessments and screenings to identify patient needs and develop appropriate care plans.

Delivered Problem Management Plus (PM+) interventions for individuals with common mental health problems.

Offered Psychological First Aid (PFA) and basic trauma-focused support to patients in distress.

Developed and implemented internal and external MHPSS referral pathways to ensure coordinated and continuous care.

Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including doctors, nurses, and case workers to provide holistic patient support.

Referred patients to mhGAP-trained doctors for psychiatric evaluation and medication when required.

Maintained proper documentation, case records, and confidentiality in line with professional standards.

Conducted mental health awareness sessions for patients and caregivers to reduce stigma and promote well-being.

Supported capacity building and coordination within the team to improve service delivery.

• Founder and Lead psychologist

Mental Health Counseling and Guidance Center

Duration: since 2019 to September 2025

Provided counseling services to individuals with emotional and behavioral difficulties.

Conducted intake assessments and developed individualized care plans.

Delivered supportive counseling, psychoeducation, and coping strategies.

Facilitated awareness sessions on mental health and well-being.

3.Research Assistant

International Research collaboration of Bangladesh (IRCB)

March 2026 – Present

Assist in the implementation of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) research projects in humanitarian settings.

Conduct data collection through interviews, surveys, and field observations while ensuring ethical standards and confidentiality.

Support in data entry, cleaning, and basic analysis for research reporting.

Coordinate with field teams and participants to ensure smooth execution of research activities.

Contribute to the development of research tools (questionnaires, interview guides, assessment forms).

Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping of research data and activities.

Assist in preparing reports, summaries, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

• Master’s in Educational Psychology

Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Completed: 2017

Specialized in educational and developmental psychology

Gained knowledge in psychological assessment, learning theories, and mental health in educational settings

• Bachelor’s in Psychology

Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Completed: 2015

Studied core areas of psychology including clinical, social, and cognitive psychology

Developed foundational skills in counseling, research methods, and psychological analysis