Women Addiction Division and Sexual Health
Established in December 2013 under the leadership of Dr. Marghati-Khoyee—a fellowship-trained subspecialist in addiction and high-risk behaviors—this division was founded at the Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS) with the aim of designing and implementing gender-specific health and treatment protocols for women with substance use disorders. IWAD, in collaboration with INCAS’s expert team and with support from universities, organizations, and relevant units, conducts research, clinical interventions, and educational programs. Its focus is on the causes and consequences, psychosocial and health outcomes of addiction, the effectiveness of treatment approaches, prevention programs, and health promotion among women with substance use disorders, with particular emphasis on gender-specific factors.
One of the division’s core objectives is to assist the general population in improving their sexual health and enhancing their quality of sexual life. Our services focus on promoting sexual well-being and healthy relationships. To achieve these goals, we strive to provide care in a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental environment, enabling clients to effectively and comfortably pursue their sexual health goals. The underlying philosophy of the clinic is client-centered, problem-focused care tailored to individuals or couples, rather than a disease-centered approach.
In the clinical setting, with the dual aims of effective treatment and prevention, most research is conducted by multidisciplinary teams and is financially supported by universities and related organizations. Key research areas include:
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Women and substance use (including narcotics and stimulants)
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Women and high-risk sexual behaviors
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Sexual minorities and high-risk sexual behaviors
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Substitution therapies for women
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Non-pharmacological treatments for women
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Supportive therapies (e.g., couples therapy, family therapy, positive parenting, trauma-informed case management, empowerment, and skill-building programs)
IWAD encompasses the following units and programs:
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SCOR (Specialized Center of Research on Sexuality and Gender Factors Affecting Women's Health):
Officially launched at INCAS in February 2014, SCOR is the first of its kind in Iran. It aims to facilitate, encourage, and support gender-based research, attract researchers interested in women’s health, and serve as a national and regional hub for training specialists and researchers in the field of women and addiction. SCOR's goal is to integrate gender-related perspectives into addiction research, particularly at Tehran University of Medical Sciences and, more broadly, nationwide. -
Sexual Health Clinic:
Actively operational since late 2013, this clinic not only provides services to clients but also serves as a field for piloting consultative, therapeutic, and support modalities in the area of sexual health for women affected by addiction—either personally or through a partner. The aim is to develop, implement, and evaluate effective, culturally appropriate, community-based interventions. -
Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH):
This program focuses on training and developing researchers in women’s health with a specific emphasis on addiction. Eligible candidates include researchers, professionals, and clinicians with academic qualifications and prior clinical or research experience in addiction, women’s health, public health, social work, psychiatry, or medicine. The program provides a supportive research environment and access to experienced mentors in addiction and women's health to guide fellows in conducting research projects related to women’s health, sexual health, and addiction. -
Training Program for Specialized Therapists in Sexual Health Assessment:
This program is open to individuals from diverse academic disciplines. Through long- and short-term continuing education courses, participants are trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of sexual health problems among individuals with substance use disorders and addiction. The curriculum includes both theoretical instruction and clinical practicum.
Team Members
Head
Dr. Effat Sadat Merghati-Khoei
Ph.D. in Sexology, University of New South Wales, Australia
Fellowship in Addiction and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors, Medical University of South Carolina, USA
Effat_mer@yahoo.com
Staff
Alireza Bayat
B.Sc. in Public Health, Sexual Health Specialist
Alireza_bayat24@yahoo.com
Alireza Bayat holds a bachelor's degree in public health from Iran University of Medical Sciences. He has been active in sexual health research, education, and counseling for over 12 years.
Mr. Bayat began his professional journey as a research assistant during his student years, working on a project focused on sexual risk behaviors in adolescents. After graduation, he continued his health-related work during his military service at Shahid Chamran Hospital, where he was repeatedly recognized by his supervisors for his outstanding performance.
He later joined the Sexual Health and Family Unit at the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, under the supervision of Dr. Merghati-Khoei, a respected sexologist and faculty member at Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Their collaboration eventually led to the establishment of Iran’s first specialized sexual health clinic at the Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS) in 2014, under the direction of Dr. Merghati-Khoei and with the cooperation of Mr. Bayat.
This clinic became a milestone in expanding sexual health research in the context of addiction. Mr. Bayat’s key areas of expertise include the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (HIV/STIs) among at-risk groups such as adolescents, LGBT+ individuals, and people who use substances.
He is also a recipient of the prestigious Humphrey Fellowship from the United States, a one-and-a-half-year program focused on health policy and management, with an emphasis on sexual health.
Mr. Habib Yousefi
M.A. in Clinical Psychology
Habib Yousefi, a senior volunteer and clinical psychologist, has been involved with the center for over 8 years. After completing his undergraduate studies in electrical engineering, his deep interest in psychology led him to pursue a master’s degree in clinical psychology.
In 2016, under the supervision of Dr. Merghati-Khoei, he completed his thesis titled: “Predicting Interpersonal Communication Skills Among Married Students Based on Sexual Self-Concept and Demographic Factors.” He has since continued his work as a research and therapy assistant in the field of sexual health, receiving supervision from Dr. Merghati-Khoei.
Mr. Yousefi has provided a wide range of services, particularly for individuals struggling with substance use and sexual minorities facing sexual health challenges. His research interests include sexual addiction, and he has published articles on the subject in respected international journals.
Ms. Shiva Mahmoudi
M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Volunteer Member (2 years)
Ms. Shiva Danaei
M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Volunteer Member (1 year)