The Psychiatry Study Program at the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Collaborates with the University of San Diego to Host "Integrative Psychiatry: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health Across Biological, Psychological, and Social Dimensions"

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• Senin, 6 April 2026
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The Psychiatry Study Program at the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Collaborates with the University of San Diego to Host "Integrative Psychiatry: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health Across Biological, Psychological, and Social Dimensions"

The Psychiatry Specialist Study Program at the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, successfully held an International Academic Visit with the theme "Integrative Psychiatry: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health Across Biological, Psychological, and Social Dimensions." This event took place in the Prof. Dr. I Goesti Ngoerah Gde Ngoerah Room on the 4th Floor of the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar. (April 1, 2026)

This event emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to understanding mental health, encompassing biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual aspects. The Coordinator of the Psychiatry Specialist Study Program at the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Prof. Dr. Cokorda Bagus Jaya Lesmana, dr., Sp.KJ(K)., MARS., emphasized that modern psychiatric practice needs to move beyond a purely biomedical approach.

"A mental health approach cannot focus solely on the brain or clinical symptoms, but must view the whole person—body, mind, and spirit within a socio-cultural context," he said. He also cited the philosophy in his presentation, "Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom," as an important foundation for the healing process.

This event featured an international collaboration with the University of San Diego, a private research university in California founded in 1949 and known for its values-based educational approach, ethical leadership, and service to the global community. The university offers a variety of interdisciplinary academic programs, including health, education, and peace studies, and is committed to developing leaders with integrity and a humanitarian focus.

Representatives from the University of San Diego, Dr. Nicholas D. Boyd, PhD., LPCC, NCC, and Nedeljko Golubovic, PhD., NCC, stated in their remarks that cross-national academic collaboration is key to addressing global mental health challenges.

"We believe that education must foster leaders who are not only academically competent but also possess empathy and a commitment to humanity," they said.

On that occasion, 20 international psychology master's students were brought in to provide a firsthand learning opportunity from Bali.

Furthermore, the event involved the Suryani Institute for Mental Health, attended by Prof. Dr. dr. Luh Ketut Suryani, SpKJ(K), the founder, emphasizing a community-based approach. The philosophy of "Helping the one that nobody wants to help" is a key value in efforts to reach out to groups with severe mental disorders who are often marginalized.

During the discussion, Prof. Cokorda also highlighted the mental health situation in Bali, which still faces challenges such as stigma, limited services, and the practice of shackling. "An integrative approach allows us to bridge modern medicine with local wisdom, including the role of family, community, and spiritual practices," he added.

Local concepts such as Tri Hita Karana—which emphasizes harmony between humans, nature, and God—were also highlighted as relevant models in developing a culture-based mental health approach. The event was interactive, with discussions and a question-and-answer session involving participants from various backgrounds. The event concluded with awards for the speakers and a group photo session.