2025 27 June, The Association for Trauma Outreach & Prevention (ATOP)
Harold Takooshian & George Gharibian
On June 27, 2025, this question was the central focus of a symposium convened during
the annual global webinar of the Armenian American Mental Health Association (AAMHA).
The one-hour panel gathered six experts from various regions—including Los Angeles, New
York, and Yerevan—to discuss: “Increasing Cooperation Among Armenian Psychology
Organizations.”
George Gharibian, a professor on the core faculty at Alliant International University and
the incoming President of AAMHA, spoke about the organization’s initiatives. Since its
founding in 2007, AAMHA has developed diverse programs to address the mental health needs
of the global Armenian community. He highlighted AAMHA’s goals, which include improving
mental health services through continuing education, advocacy, awareness-raising, and
partnerships with local, national, and international organizations, including those based in
Armenia. [Website: https://aamha.org/about-us/].
Harold Takooshian, Professor of Psychology at Fordham University and an officer in the
Psychology Coalition at the United Nations, reviewed the history and work of the Armenian
Behavioral Science Association (ABSA). Founded in 1987, ABSA now connects over 500
Armenian-American behavioral scientists across the U.S.
[Website: https://takoosh.com/absa.pdf]
Jane L. Mahakian, a noted expert on aging and the founding Director of Alzheimer’s
Care Armenia (ACA), shared her organization’s mission. Since 2017, ACA has launched
numerous innovative programs promoting healthy aging throughout Armenia. She emphasized
their focus on raising awareness and providing culturally sensitive care and treatment for
individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. [Website: www.alzheimers.am]
Nazeli Kirakosyan, a manager at the Armenian Spiritual Revival Foundation (ASRF),
spoke about their psycho-spiritual work in post-conflict recovery. Since 2022, ASRF has helped
over 500 clients from Artsakh and beyond through its evidence-based, three-step “Revive–
Strive–Thrive” program. She shared the mission of their organization to provide psycho-spiritual
programs for Armenian communities, specifically in post-conflict settings.
[Website: https://revival.am/eng/home/]
Ani Kalayjian, Professor of Psychology at Columbia University and Founder & President
of ATOP MeaningfulWorld, described her organization’s trauma relief work. She has led 114
humanitarian missions in 51 countries, 27 in Armenia, (since the earthquake in 1988) using
evidence-based methods to reduce trauma after disasters. She has 3 prong approaches: 1. Healing
& Education, 2. Research & Publication, 3. Policy revisions & engagement in the media. She has
published 6 books, 55 films, 1 CD, and over 100 research articles.
[Website: www.meaningfulworld.com].
Hrant Avanesyan, Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department at Yerevan State
University, and co-founder of the Psychology Union of Armenia (PUA) in 2022, discussed
PUA’s recent initiatives. He described the organization’s efforts to establish ethical standards,
develop educational programs, set licensing criteria, and foster collaboration with international
psychologists and the Armenian diaspora. [Website: https://psyarm.org/]
A video of this one-hour symposium is now online
at https://www.facebook.com/aamhawest.org/videos/1674368313268340 For any details,
contact takoosh@aol.com or aamhawest@gmail.com .
https://armenianweekly.com/2025/06/22/support-cafe-launches-for-artsakh-elders
