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Introduction
The issue aims to highlight programmes and research that have successfully integrated physical and mental health services (with a particular emphasis on public mental health), as well as progress in policies, spending and strategies across the world on this integration, especially in the context of Non-Communicable Diseases.
This is a key policy and practice area for a range of other international organisations, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the UN and the World Federation of Public Health Associations. Despite progress and increased awareness in mental health, there remains a huge public mental health implementation gap around the world. This issue will not only collect some of the best available evidence, but can also serve as inspiration for further progress and investment.
We invite you to read a blog by the Global Mental Health Action Network, which introduces the background and evolution of the initial idea for this special issue: Physical and Mental Health: The journey to integration
Topics of Interest
We would welcome original research, reviews and discussion papers that improve our understanding of integration of physical and mental health and offer solutions. We are interested in papers from academics, policy makers, practitioners, NGOs and people with lived experience.
We are very interested in papers that highlight evidence-based solutions through policies or interventions. We are particularly interested in collaborative papers that bring together evidence on such solutions from different settings and contexts.
Submission Information
Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available here:
Author guidelines must be strictly followed. Please see:
Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to “Please select the issue you are submitting to”.
Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.
Key Dates
Opening date for manuscript submissions: 26 September 2025
Closing date for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026
Guest Editor Biographies
Dr Antonis Kousoulis is the Director of Partnerships at United for Global Mental Health and leads the Global Mental Health Action Network, a community of over 7,000 advocates from 170 countries. He is a public health specialist with over 10 years’ senior executive experience across the not-for-profit sector, government and academia.
Stephanie Whiteman is an Assistant Lecturer in Public Health in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. She has over seven years of experience in public health research and youth/global health advocacy. She is the co-chair of the Data and Research Working Group for the Global Mental Health Action Network and member of the Healthy Caribbean Coalition.
Dr. John Pateña is the Director of U.S. Mental Health Programs at HealthRight International and supports global mental health advocacy with the World Federation of Public Health Associations. He has over 15 years of experience providing direct mental health care, conducting population mental health research, and implementing community-based mental health interventions in low-resourced settings.
Tabitha Ellis is a global health advocate and equity, serving on local and regional boards, as well as national leadership councils. She has led key leadership positions among them. Her extensive experience as a public speaker and advocate has allowed the opportunity to participate in important initiatives from her countries capital, to the United Nations. Passionate about policy and community impact, Tabitha is pursuing a Master’s in Organizational Leadership at Johns Hopkins University to further drive systemic change, and transformational leadership.
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