Graduate Diploma Program in Mental Health

To cultivate graduates with the knowledge and skills to evaluate, treat, and promote mental health, while applying contemporary knowledge to advance well-being in Thai society.

The Graduate Diploma Program in Mental Health is vital for producing a skilled mental health workforce capable of handling contemporary socioeconomic and technological challenges. The program responds to the growing complexity of behavioral disorders, substance abuse, and digital-era stressors (e.g., online addiction, social media-induced stress).

The 2027 curriculum revision modernizes training by equipping learners with in-depth therapeutic knowledge, clinical communication skills, and data analytics capabilities in alignment with the 20-Year National Strategy. Graduates are trained to build clinical relationships across diverse socio-cultural backgrounds, evaluate current research for continuous quality improvement, and responsibly apply digital technologies to deliver high-quality, professional care.

1. To develop graduates with deep theoretical knowledge of psychiatric disorders and substance abuse mechanisms, enabling them to safely apply international standard diagnostics and treatments.
2. To produce graduates capable of clinically assessing, planning, and delivering individualized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and addiction interventions in real-world settings.
3. To enhance therapeutic communication, relationship-building, and psychoeducation skills for effective engagement with patients, families, and communities.
4. To instill professional ethics, cultural humility, and a strong sense of social responsibility while respecting patient rights and dignity.
5. To foster interdisciplinary collaboration and clinical problem-solving skills within multidisciplinary mental health teams.
6. To equip graduates with lifelong learning skills, enabling them to appraise scientific literature, integrate evidence-based research into practice, and drive healthcare innovations.

Alignment with National Policies and Chulalongkorn University’s Strategies

The Graduate Diploma Program in Mental Health (2027 Revision) is strategically aligned with national manpower development frameworks, global sustainability targets, and Chulalongkorn University’s vision as a world-class research institution.

National and Higher Education Policy Alignment

• National Frameworks: The curriculum aligns with the 20-Year National Strategy and the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan by developing a high-competency specialized workforce to strengthen the country’s mental health system, socioeconomic stability, and public quality of life.
• Higher Education and SDGs: In accordance with the Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Policy (2020–2027), the program integrates World Economic Forum (WEF) future skills—such as complex analytical thinking, emotional intelligence, and evidence-based decision-making. It directly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Institutional Strategy and Global Positioning

Aligned with Chulalongkorn University’s positioning within the “Global Research and Innovation” institutional group, the program focuses on:

• Advanced Professional Competency: Developing graduates with deep theoretical and practical expertise in advanced sub-specialties: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Addiction Sciences and Dual Diagnosis.
• Global Standards: Equipping specialized professionals with international-standard assessment, therapeutic, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills to address the complex mental health and psychiatric challenges of modern society with high social responsibility.

Upon completion of the program, learners will achieve the following learning outcomes:

1. Credit Requirements, Study Period, and Curriculum Structure

1.1 Total Credits Required for Graduation
Total credits required for graduation: 24 credits

1.2 Study Period According to the Plan of Study
The standard study period is 1 year.

1.3 Curriculum Structure
จำนวนหน่วยกิตรวมตลอดหลักสูตร จำนวน 24 หน่วยกิต
จำนวนหน่วยกิตรายวิชาเรียน จำนวน 24 Credits
รายวิชาบังคับร่วม จำนวน 2 Credits
รายวิชาบังคับเฉพาะแขนงวิชา จำนวน 22 หน่วยกิต

To enhance their knowledge, students may register for other graduate-level courses relevant to their specific educational focus, subject to the approval of their academic advisor. These courses may be offered by Chulalongkorn University or other national and international universities. In cases where a student is unable to comply with the curriculum requirements, the Program Executive Committee and the Faculty Board retain the authority to review and make a final determination.

2. Courses and Credits
(Course descriptions are provided in Appendix D)

2.1 General Education Courses: 0 Credits

2.2 Core Courses

2.2.1 Joint Compulsory Courses: 2 Credits

2.2.2 Pathway-Specific Compulsory Courses: 22 Credits

Pathway A: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Pathway B: Addiction Sciences and Dual Diagnosis (Substance Dependence and Psychiatric Disorders)

*Denotes a newly established course

2.2.3 Elective Courses: 0 Credits

2.3 Free Elective Courses: 0 Credits

2.4 Thesis: 0 Credits

3. Plan of Study

Pathway A: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Pathway B: Addiction Sciences and Dual Diagnosis
(Substance Dependence and Psychiatric Disorders)

Graduate Diploma Program

• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or a higher degree in fields related to Medical Sciences, Nursing, Psychology, Mental Health, Social Work, Liberal Arts, or other fields deemed appropriate by the program.
• Must fulfill other qualifications specified by the program, as outlined in the annual admission announcements.

Graduate Diploma Program

• Coursework Completion: Must complete all courses and credits required by the curriculum with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPAX) of not less than 3.00 out of a 4.00 system, or equivalent.
• Learning Outcomes: Must achieve all learning outcomes in accordance with the qualification standards for both Graduate Diploma and Higher Graduate Diploma levels.