ABSTRACT The study summarized the experiences of international humanitarian organizations in implementing psychosocial support activities in the post-ISIS war and the crises it left behind. Objectives: To explore the mechanisms for implementing psychosocial support activities in Iraqi governorates affected by the conflict, to determine the extent to which psychosocial support activities align with international humanitarian policies, and to review the most important challenges facing their work. Methods: The study relied on a descriptive (ethnographic) qualitative approach, with tools including interviews conducted with 35 participants (project managers, psychosocial support staff, beneficiaries, and international organization staff). An observation tool was used to describe all activities related to psychosocial support programs, as well as quantitative data based on official international documents, articles, and reports. Results: Some organizations implementing non-specialized psychosocial support activities lack an activity manual, which creates activities based on improvisation. The Iraqi government does not pay much attention to mental health. There are problems in the mechanism of designing psychosocial support programs. Short-term grants and a lack of cultural awareness of mental health pose challenges to the sustainability and effectiveness of mental health and psychosocial support programs in Iraq. Conclusions: International organizations' psychosocial support programs provide critical activities in conflict-affected areas in Iraq. Some activities do not meet the International Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) standards. Problems with the design of psychosocial support programs, and the short duration of donor programs, affect the effectiveness and long-term impact of these activities.
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