The Institute of Psychosocial Development (I.Ψ.A.) is an NGO founded in the City of Larissa
(Region of Thessaly) since 2001 by a group of experienced scientists and research associates. It is certified according to the ISO 9001:2015 Certified Quality Management System standard for the provision of services in secondary health care facilities.
IPSA’s main objective is the promotion of psychosocial development of individuals, through a
wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic, counseling and support services for adults, families,
children and adolescents on an individual or/and group basis. IPSA provides a number of
integrated, specially designed services to meet the needs and the criteria of the target groups
and the organizations that constitute the modern social environment in a local and national level.
Moreover, IPSA’s philosophy offers the facilitation of psychological and counseling services in order to support efficiently the vulnerable groups and the underprivileged population which experience difficulties to participate, contribute or even benefit from their social environment. In particular, a series of integrated services are provided through a range of specific programs with the ultimate scope to cover the needs of the target groups. The Institute is treating people with psychological, mental and psychiatric disabilities recognizing the importance of the full integration of individuals into society.
Institute’s expert team can provide a complete counseling program in social skills and vocational guidance in order to help vulnerable groups to get into the job market gradually, having the appropriate knowledge and developing some useful qualifications.
Additionally, Ι.Ψ.Α. can provide individual and group therapy to people who experience difficulties in work (achieving goals, creativity and taking responsibility) and support them to cope with intrapersonal and interpersonal problems.
IPSA has many years of constant collaboration with local schools at all levels, providing
lectures, seminars for parents, children and teachers. In cooperation with the Ministry of
Education, he participated in the Observatory: the network for Prevention on School Violence & Bullying supervised by the Ministry of Education. Through this network, IPSA provided
prevention and intervention on issues such as school bullying and other behavioral issues
related to diversity in schools. Some of the basic activities of the Institute of Psychosocial
Development are,
• Educational services both on research and clinical level for health and non-health professionals,
• Specific training and educational services for promoting the aspect of individual psychosocial development,
• Services (for example research, counseling, etc.) for target groups with special needs,
• Services in the labor field for employees and employers,
• Data provision and related information concerning the present employment and occupational status,
• Observatory: a network for Prevention on School Violence & Bullying supervised by the Ministry of Education
• Career employment services and related guidance both in terms of career selection (by using psychometric tests) and career preparation (CV, job preparation, etc.),
• Guidance and support facilities for prevention and therapy programs designed for vulnerable groups,
• Counseling services in health, mental health, social care and social solidarity in cooperation with other key stakeholders (e.g. Local and regional authorities, business organizations and associations).
In order to provide the above services, IPSA operates three different departments;
a) Individual Counseling & Therapy for Adults,
b) Counseling - Encouraging Social Inclusion, Supporting the Child, Adolescent and Family,
c) Career Counseling & Career Management.
