LocationsUNDP and Ministry of Internal Affairs launch training on cognitive behavioral therapy for police psychologists
November 28, 2025
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and with financial support from the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), has launched a five-day training on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for 22 police psychologists. The training aims to strengthen psychological support for law enforcement personnel and promote mental health resilience within the police service.
From November 24–28, an expert team of consultants guided participants through CBT principles, models, and practical techniques. The training aims to develop knowledge, skills, and practical competencies in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) necessary for providing psychological assistance to personnel. The course includes building therapeutic alliances, setting therapy goals, and applying diagnostic and preventive methods to address depression, anxiety, suicidal risks, and addictions.
Welcoming the participants, Amina Almagambetova, Deputy Head of the Personnel Policy Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, noted:
“Psychological support for personnel is now one of the most important aspects of law-enforcement service. This has become especially relevant considering the growing emphasis in our society on the ideology of ‘Law and Order.’”
Youliana Sadowski, Country Director of the INL Section at the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan, emphasized the importance of partnership:
“I am pleased that our partner in this project is the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with whom we have a long-standing history of successful cooperation under the 2002 Memorandum of Understanding on Drug Control and Law Enforcement. I am proud of our partnership with the Ministry and of our joint efforts to strengthen the capacity of law-enforcement agencies in combating transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal migration, money laundering, and cybercrime.”
In his remarks, Sukhrob Khojimatov, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, highlighted the role of CBT in creating a healthy work environment:
“Cognitive-behavioral therapy and human-centered approach play an important role in fostering a healthy corporate environment within the police service. This gained knowledge will serve as a solid foundation for the participants’ professional activities and help strengthen the psychological resilience of police officers.”
This training is part of the UNDP project “Support to the Police Modernization Reform in Kazakhstan,” which runs until November 2026. The project focuses on improving performance assessment tools, applying evidence-based approaches, and enhancing analytical capacity to identify root causes of crime. It also aims to prevent violence against women and children and boost morale among police staff exposed to traumatic incidents.
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