Study visit programme

Principles of Organising Mental Health Rehabilitation: From Infrastructure to the Patient’s Mind

A study visit for Ukrainian mental health professionals to explore Latvia’s experience in developing the mental health care system, planning therapeutic environments, organising rehabilitation services, and promoting interdisciplinary cooperation.

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Dates

27-30 October 2026

Venue

Riga and Strenči, Latvia

Implementing organisations

National Centre for Mental Health (NPVC) and Strenči Psychoneurological Hospital

Programme

Online participation possible

In-person only

27 October

Tuesday

Riga

National Centre for Mental Health, Tvaika Street 2, Riga

  1. 08:30-09:00

    Arrival at the National Centre for Mental Health

    Welcoming participants, introduction to the Centre’s representatives, and morning coffee.

  2. 09:30

    The Role of Architecture in the Therapeutic Environment

    Speaker: Liene Sīle

    The importance of the therapeutic environment in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders.

  3. 11:00

    The Mental Health Care System in Latvia

    Speaker: Ineta Sīpova

    Latvia’s experience in developing the psychiatric care system, modernising services, and the services provided by NPVC.

  4. 12:30

    Lunch break

  5. 13:30

    Mental Health Care Infrastructure and Its Development

    Speaker: Evija Puķe

    Healthcare infrastructure, experience in building renovation, and development planning.

  6. 15:00

    Tour of NPVC Infrastructure

    Guides: Evita Zelča, Aldis Ozols, Ivars Neļķe

    Introduction to the Centre’s grounds, healthcare infrastructure, and its practical use.

  7. 16:30

    Coffee break

  8. 17:00

    Therapeutic Environment Design and the Selection of Cooperation Partners

    Speaker: Lana Burmistrova

    Design solutions and cooperation in the development of healthcare infrastructure.

  9. 18:30

    Return to the hotel

28 October

Wednesday

Riga

National Centre for Mental Health, Tvaika Street 2, Riga

  1. 08:30

    Arrival at the National Centre for Mental Health

  2. 09:30

    Organisation of Psychiatric Rehabilitation at the National Centre for Mental Health

    Speaker: Agnese Gaibišele

    Rehabilitation approaches for patients with addictions, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders.

  3. 11:00

    Developing a New Outpatient Centre: From Strategy to Building

    Speaker: Evija Puķe

    Financing, procurement, space planning and the environment - from the initial concept to implementation.

  4. 12:30

    Coffee break

  5. 12:45

    Organising Patient Flow and Implementing Guidelines in Practice

    Speaker: Jeļena Vrubļevska

    Organising the patient journey and improving care processes.

  6. 14:15

    Lunch break

  7. 15:15

    Tour of NPVC Infrastructure

    Guides: Evija Puķe, Lana Burmistrova, Aldis Ozols, Ivars Neļķe

    Introduction to the outpatient centre, as well as a “Design Workshop” (if time permits).

  8. 16:30

    Visit to the Cultural Space

    Guide: Gunta Strēle

    The role of culture and creative environments in patient rehabilitation.

  9. 18:30

    Return to the hotel

29 October

Thursday

Strenči

Strenči Psychoneurological Hospital

Study visit to Strenči Psychoneurological Hospital

  1. 07:30

    Departure from Riga for Strenči

  2. 09:45

    Participant registration and morning coffee

  3. 11:15

    Opening of the Day: Strenči Psychoneurological Hospital - History, Scope of Services, and Role in Latvia’s Mental Health System

    Speaker: Maija Ancveriņa, Member of the Board

  4. 11:45

    The Development of Mental Health Rehabilitation: From Infrastructure to the Patient’s Mind

    Speaker: Nadežda Mieze, Head of the Rehabilitation Department and Physiotherapist

  5. 12:20

    Coffee break

  6. 13:05

    Addiction Prevention and Treatment

    Speaker: Dr Raivis Logins, Addiction Medicine Specialist and Psychiatrist

  7. 13:50

    Outpatient Child Mental Health

    Speaker: Dr Ludmila Bešmeņova, Child Psychiatrist

    Early identification, risk factors, transition to adult services, and cooperation with families and schools.

  8. 15:30

    Lunch break

  9. 16:45

    Practical Sessions

    Participants rotate through three thematic stations.

    1

    Group 1: Inpatient addiction treatment unit and meeting with the chaplain

    Žanna Kozlova, Andris Reiters

    2

    Group 2: Electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation rooms

    Dr Raivis Logins

    3

    Group 3: Rehabilitation activity rooms and outpatient services

    Nadežda Mieze, Margarita Grīva

  10. 17:00

    Coffee break

  11. 17:15

    Daily Summary, Questions, and Feedback

    A joint reflection on Latvia’s experience and opportunities to apply it within Ukraine’s mental health care system.

  12. 19:00

    Departure for Riga

30 October

Friday

Riga

NPVC healthcare facilities, Riga

Clinical Experience and Practical Introduction to NPVC Healthcare Facilities

  1. 08:00

    Departure from the hotel and division into three groups

  2. 09:00-13:00

    Practical Experience at Three NPVC Healthcare Facilities

    The organisation of treatment and rehabilitation, the daily work of specialists, and approaches to patient care.

    1

    Group 1 · Pārdaugava Clinic · 10 participants

    Zane Bitaine, Līga Krēmere

    • The healthcare facility and the senior nurse’s experience
    • Functional specialists’ work with patients
    • Discussion with management and senior nurses
    2

    Group 2 · Veldre Clinic · 10 participants

    Darja Krizska-Popova, Ilze Plauča

    • How the facility’s work is organised
    • Practical work of rehabilitation and functional specialists
    • Discussion with management and senior nurses
    3

    Group 3 · Tvaika Street 2 · 24 participants

    Diāna Homčeko, Ineta Sīpova, Baiba Buka-Vaivade, Žanete Korde, Lana Puntusa, Lana Dika

    • The work of various specialists and treatment processes
    • Demonstrations of practical approaches and exchange of experience
    • Discussion with Centre management and senior nurses
  3. 13:00

    All groups return to NPVC, Tvaika Street 2

  4. 14:00

    Lunch break

  5. 15:00

    Meeting with NPVC Management and Closing Session

    Presentation led by Sandra Pūce

    Summary of Latvia’s experience, key takeaways, and potential areas for future cooperation.

  6. 16:00

    Coffee break

  7. 16:30

    Presentation by the Ukrainian Delegation and Exchange of Experience

  8. 18:30

    Closing of the programme and farewell

About the project

The project “Principles of Organising Mental Health Rehabilitation: From Infrastructure to the Patient’s Mind” is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, funded by the state budget of the Republic of Latvia with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFLA).

Implemented by

National Centre for Mental Health

Latvian partner

Strenči Psychoneurological Hospital

Ukrainian partner

Chernihiv Regional Psychoneurological Hospital

National Centre for Mental Health

Project implemented with funding from the state budget of the Republic of Latvia LATDEV