TPO Uganda, originally founded as the Institute for Psychosocial and Social Ecological Research (IPSER) in 1994, began its work with a UNHCR-commissioned study on the mental health and psychosocial issues of South Sudanese refugees. Following the study's findings, UNHCR supported TPO to implement the recommendations, leading to the establishment of TPO's programs in Uganda. TPO later expanded its MHPSS efforts to other countries, including Somalia, South Sudan, Congo, and Liberia, and eventually shifted its focus to underserved national communities in need of support.