PSY-EXPO held in new format with expanding cooperation opportunities

The expo was organized at the initiative of the YSU Chair of General Psychology and the Psychology Research Center, with the support of the Armenian Association of Psychologists.

Hrant Avanesyan, Head of the Chair of General Psychology at the YSU Faculty of Philosophy and Psychology, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, Professor, speaking about the objectives and organization of the event, said: "The PSY-EXPO primarily aims to present the functions of psychologists to the public and help identify qualified professionals. Over the years, the format of the event has changed significantly, with both the number of participants and participating organizations increasing. While self-presentation used to be simpler, today modern technologies are used, including presentations created with artificial intelligence. Over the past 5–6 years, bachelor's students have participated as volunteers, which provides them with valuable experience. The event has already expanded beyond YSU: expos have also been held at the Russian-Armenian University and the Public Administration Academy of the Republic of Armenia."

Avanesyan also emphasized the importance of uniting psychologists within a single professional association, noting that a psychologist should not only have appropriate education but also professional rights aligned with international ethical standards.

Participating organizations presented their training programs, therapeutic approaches, and mental health services during the expo.

Lilit Baghdasaryan, a representative of the Recovery College and the Psychosocial Regulation Center, presented the organization's activities in the field of psychology. The center also operates as a social enterprise, where individuals with mental health issues are given the opportunity to work and receive payment. It provides a wide range of services, including psychiatric, narcological, neurological, and psychological support.

YSU and the Armenian Association of Psychologists are currently developing new training programs for professional development. These will be diverse, targeting psychologists working in various sectors—from educational institutions to the banking system and human resources. At the same time, the YSU Faculty of Philosophy and Psychology offers the "Management Psychology" master's program, which provides more specialized education.

The expo brought together various non-governmental organizations and psychological centers, which presented their services and psychotherapeutic methods.