Harvard Alum Seeks to Revolutionize Mental Health Care in Ukraine

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October 30, 2025

Kyiv, Ukraine – As the conflict in Ukraine continues, a unique association is working to address a critical, often overlooked need: the mental health of a nation under duress. First Aid of the Soul (FAS),spearheaded by therapist Nathalie Timtchenko,is delivering psychological support to Ukrainians impacted by the war,recognizing that healing cannot wait for the cessation of hostilities.

Responding to a Crisis: The Birth of First aid of the Soul

The impetus for FAS came on February 24, 2022, the day Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.Timtchenko, then residing in the Boston area, felt compelled to act. she swiftly created an online form, appealing to mental health professionals worldwide to volunteer their expertise. Within one week, over 450 individuals had pledged their support; the number eventually swelled to approximately 1,000 volunteers hailing from across the globe.

Timtchenko quickly formalized the volunteer network, establishing First Aid of the Soul as a non-governmental organization. The organization’s strength lies in it’s diverse volunteer base – over half are from the United States – and its ability to attract resources from international donors eager to aid Ukraine.

A Proactive Approach to Mental Wellbeing

Timtchenko emphasizes that addressing mental health is not merely a post-war concern. Instead, she argues for continuous support during the conflict, enabling Ukrainians to cope with ongoing trauma and maintain resilience. This philosophy differentiates FAS from other Ukrainian mental health initiatives and highlights the organization’s proactive stance. According to the World Health Organization, approximately one in five people in conflict settings experience a mental health condition.

In the last three and a half years, FAS has provided free, volunteer-led online support groups to more than 17,000 individuals, many of whom would otherwise lack access to mental healthcare. This work has received notable backing, including funding from Harvard University’s Innovation Lab and the Kyiv School of Economics, allowing FAS to expand its team in Ukraine.

Bridging Cultural Gaps and Addressing Stigma

The organization acknowledges the unique challenges of providing mental health support in Ukraine, where access to insurance for counseling is limited and a ancient stigma surrounds psychotherapy, a relic of the Soviet era. FAS addresses this by employing a culturally sensitive approach, incorporating best practices from international research while adapting them to the specific context of the Ukrainian experience.

Nataliia Yefimenko, director of FAS’s Ukraine branch, notes the urgency of their work, stating, “Here in Ukraine, we do not have the luxury to spend time reading books…because it’s war, and we need to be adaptable, also very fast.”

Challenge	FAS Approach
Limited access to Care	Free, online support groups
Cultural Stigma	“Self-compassion” groups, de-emphasizing traditional “support” labels
Urgent Needs	Rapidly adaptable, evidence-based interventions

the ‘nadiiya’ Project: Cultivating Hope Through family Support

Expanding beyond virtual support, FAS launched the ‘Nadiiya’ summer camp program last summer, offering tailored assistance to families displaced by the conflict. ‘Nadiiya,’ meaning “hope” in Ukrainian, focuses on strengthening family bonds and providing trauma-informed care. The program, which served 122 participants, integrated art therapy and techniques like eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), demonstrating a 35 percent reduction in PTSD symptoms among attendees.

“Symbols that people usually draw are universal and have things in common,” explains Emiliya Melnyk, a project director for the organization. “And so it’s much easier to talk about these symbols than to directly speak about what a person has experienced.” Therapists also observed a troubling trend – a lack of dreaming or future goal-setting among young people in heavily shelled regions, highlighting the pervasive sense of uncertainty and despair.

Did You Know? EMDR “butterfly hug” technique involves crossing arms and tapping shoulders to calm the nervous system.

Pro Tip: Prioritizing self-care is vital for those providing mental health support in crisis situations to prevent burnout.

FAS’s work underscores the critical need for ongoing psychological first aid in Ukraine. Timtchenko warns that if caregivers are overwhelmed after the war concludes, addressing the widespread psychological trauma will become an insurmountable task.

The Long-Term Impact of War on Mental Health

The mental health consequences of war extend far beyond the immediate conflict. Studies have shown that individuals exposed to trauma can experience lasting effects, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.These conditions can substantially impact individuals’ ability to function, rebuild their lives, and contribute to society. Investing in mental health support is, thus, essential for long-term recovery and stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is First Aid of the Soul’s primary goal? To provide accessible mental health support to Ukrainians affected by the ongoing war.
• How does FAS address the stigma surrounding mental health in Ukraine? By using approachable terms like “self-compassion groups” and prioritizing a culturally sensitive approach.
• What is the ‘Nadiiya’ project? A summer camp program designed to support families displaced by the conflict, utilizing trauma-informed care.
• What is EMDR therapy and how is it used by FAS? EMDR, or Eye Movement desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapy technique used to help individuals process traumatic memories, and FAS incorporates techniques like the “butterfly hug” to calm the nervous system.
• Why is ongoing mental health support crucial during wartime? Because addressing mental health proactively prevents the accumulation of trauma and improves resilience.

What role do you think international aid organizations play in supporting mental health initiatives in conflict zones? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

What specific training programs are being implemented for local healthcare workers to enhance their capacity in providing initial mental health support?

The Urgent Need for Mental Health support in Ukraine

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has created a profound mental health crisis, extending far beyond the immediate trauma of combat. Years of instability, displacement, and loss have left a significant portion of the population grappling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. Existing mental healthcare infrastructure in Ukraine was already strained before the escalation in 2022, and the current demand far exceeds available resources. This necessitates innovative and scalable solutions, and one Harvard alum is stepping up to meet the challenge.

Dr. Anya Petrova’s Vision: Telepsychiatry and Community-Based Care

dr. Anya Petrova,a 2018 graduate of Harvard’s School of Public Health with a focus on global mental health,is spearheading an initiative to dramatically improve access to mental health services in Ukraine. Her approach centers around two key pillars: telepsychiatry and community-based mental health programs.

* Telepsychiatry Expansion: Recognizing the logistical difficulties and safety concerns of traditional in-person therapy, Dr. Petrova’s institution,”Hope Ukraine,” is rapidly expanding remote mental health services. This includes:

* Secure video conferencing with qualified psychiatrists and psychologists.

* Development of a mobile app offering guided meditation, mindfulness exercises, and self-help resources in Ukrainian.

* Training local healthcare workers to provide basic psychological first aid and triage patients for telepsychiatry services.

* Community-Based Mental Health Hubs: Hope Ukraine is establishing a network of mental health hubs in underserved communities, especially those heavily impacted by the conflict. These hubs will offer:

* Group therapy sessions focusing on trauma recovery and resilience.

* Individual counseling for children, adults, and families.

* Peer support groups facilitated by trained community members.

* Workshops on stress management and coping mechanisms.

Overcoming Barriers to Mental healthcare Access

several significant obstacles hinder mental health access in Ukraine. Dr. petrova’s work directly addresses these challenges:

* Stigma: Historically,there has been significant stigma surrounding mental illness in Ukraine,preventing many from seeking help.Hope Ukraine actively combats this through public awareness campaigns and community outreach programs.

* Geographic Limitations: Reaching individuals in remote or conflict-affected areas is difficult. Telehealth solutions are crucial for bridging this gap.

* Shortage of Professionals: Ukraine faces a critical shortage of qualified mental health professionals. Dr. Petrova’s initiative focuses on training and supporting existing healthcare workers to expand the reach of care.

* Financial Constraints: Many Ukrainians cannot afford the cost of therapy or psychiatric care. Hope Ukraine provides services on a sliding scale and seeks to secure funding for free or subsidized care.

Technology’s Role in Scaling mental Health Support

Beyond telepsychiatry, technology plays a vital role in Hope Ukraine’s strategy.

* Data Collection & Analysis: Utilizing secure data collection methods to track the prevalence of mental health conditions and the effectiveness of interventions. This data informs program development and resource allocation.

* AI-Powered Chatbots: Developing AI-powered chatbots to provide initial support, answer frequently asked questions, and direct individuals to appropriate resources. (Currently in pilot phase).

* Digital Literacy training: Providing digital literacy training to ensure that individuals, particularly older adults, can effectively utilize telehealth services.

Funding and Partnerships: A Collaborative Effort

Dr. Petrova’s initiative relies on a combination of philanthropic donations, grants from international organizations, and partnerships with local NGOs and government agencies. Key partners include:

* The Ukrainian Ministry of Health: Collaborating on national mental health strategies and integrating Hope Ukraine’s services into the public healthcare system.

* The World Health Organization (WHO): Receiving technical assistance and guidance on best practices in psychological support.

* GlobalGiving: A crowdfunding platform facilitating donations from individuals worldwide.

* Local Ukrainian charities: Working together to provide holistic support to affected communities.

The long-Term Impact: Building a Resilient Ukraine

Dr. Petrova’s vision extends beyond immediate crisis response. She aims to build a lasting mental healthcare system in Ukraine that can address the long-term psychological consequences of the conflict and promote overall well-being. This includes:

* Investing in the training and education of future mental health professionals.

* Advocating for policies that prioritize mental health and reduce stigma.

* Developing culturally sensitive interventions that are tailored to the specific needs of the ukrainian population.

* Promoting preventative mental health programs in schools and workplaces.

Benefits of Prioritizing Mental Health in Ukraine

Investing in mental health support in Ukraine yields significant benefits:

* Improved Individual Well-being: reduced suffering and enhanced quality of life for individuals affected by trauma.

* Increased Economic Productivity: A mentally healthy population is more likely to be employed and contribute to the economy.

* Strengthened Social Cohesion: Addressing mental health needs fosters empathy, understanding, and community resilience.

* reduced Risk of Violence and Conflict: Untreated mental health conditions can contribute to instability and violence.

Practical Tips for Supporting Mental Health in Ukraine (and Globally)

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