New Mental Health Management Course for Managers Launched by Social Design Graduate School

New Mental Health Management Course for Managers

The Social Design Graduate School, located in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has announced the launch of its new short-term program, the "Mental Health Management Course for Supporting People and Organizations - A Comprehensive Understanding and Practical Approach for Managers." This course is set to commence on October 6, 2026, and aims to equip managers with the necessary skills to address the evolving mental health challenges in the workplace.

Background of the Course

As workplaces undergo transformations due to various factors like diversification of work styles, recruitment shortages, and shifts in employment values, there is an increasing demand for managers to go beyond mere operational oversight and personnel development. Their role now extends to recognizing changes in their team members' mental and physical states and providing appropriate support. The overarching goal is to foster a safe and conducive work environment.

It's essential to note that mental health issues in the workplace do not boil down solely to an individual's psychological conditions or illnesses. They are influenced by a myriad of factors including interpersonal relationships, organizational culture, HR systems, and the broader socioeconomic environment. This course aims to tackle these complexities by allowing participants to understand mental health issues from multiple perspectives: the individual, the organization, and society at large.

Course Objectives and Content

The program is designed to develop practical skills in adequately addressing mental health challenges in the workplace. Participants will delve into subjects such as:

- Recognizing early signs of mental health issues and response techniques.
- Topics related to harassment, excessive work hours, and supporting employees during leave and return.
- Historical perspectives on industrial mental health, help-seeking behaviors, and understanding the employee journey.

Through various methods, including case studies, group discussions, philosophical dialogues, and organizational analysis workshops, participants will explore the specific challenges faced in their own workplaces. They will ultimately formulate a "Mental Health Management Improvement Proposal" based on their insights and learning throughout the course, linking theoretical knowledge with practical organizational strategies.

Four Key Skills to be Developed

Participants will emerge from this course with a strong capability in four areas:
1. Understanding the Complexity of Mental Health Issues: Recognizing that mental health challenges relate not only to individual issues but also to factors like workplace relationships, organizational culture, and societal context.
2. Effective Response as a Manager: Learning how to notice changes in colleagues, engage in active listening, and connect with HR professionals and other relevant support resources.
3. Building a Supportive Organizational Culture: Exploring various perspectives, including help-seeking behavior and social support, to create a workplace where employees feel comfortable seeking help.
4. Analyzing and Proposing Organizational Solutions: Gaining the analytical skills necessary to assess one's organization’s systems, culture, and work environment for actionable insights that can enhance mental health management.

Course Curriculum

The course will consist of 15 lectures covering:

- Orientation: Understanding the need for mental health responsiveness today.
- History and Help-Seeking Behaviors: Exploring the evolution of industrial mental health.
- Awareness and Initial Responses: How to recognize mental health issues and manage workplace relationships effectively.
- Communication and Management of Stress: Strategies for recognizing and addressing issues such as excessive workloads and supporting employees through transitions.
- Comprehensive Analysis: Assessing mental health management within one's own organization and designing proposals for improvement.

Course Details

- Title: Mental Health Management Course for Supporting People and Organizations - A Comprehensive Understanding and Practical Approach for Managers
- Duration: October 6, 2026 to January 8, 2027
- Number of Lectures: 15 sessions, each lasting 90 minutes.
- Course Schedule: Lectures are held from 14:00 to 17:10, with the first session starting at 15:40.
- Delivery Method: In-person sessions, with recorded lectures available but no recordings of interactive workshops.
- Target Audience: This course is tailored for managers and leaders involved in HR, and anyone aiming to enhance their skills in mental health management within organizations.
- Capacity: Limited to 30 participants.
- Tuition Fee: ¥150,000 (excluding tax).
- Application Deadline: September 21, 2026, or until slots are filled.

Information Sessions

In advance of the course, the university will host informational sessions to provide details about the curriculum. Interested individuals can find more about these sessions on the university's website.

Online Information Session Dates:

- August 26, 2026 : 20:00 - 20:40
- August 27, 2026 : 21:00 - 21:40
- August 29, 2026 : 09:00 - 09:40

For registration and further details, please visit: Mental Health Management Course.

About the Social Design Graduate School

Founded in April 2017 in Takadanobaba, Tokyo, this graduate school focuses on adult education, with a curriculum tailored towards communication design, practical education, and societal planning. Through its advanced educational research institute, it offers various programs aimed at practical implementation in society. The school is committed to nurturing professionals capable of addressing the complexities of modern organizations.

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