UKRAINE: PROFESSIONAL INITIATIVE FOR THE PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT OF VICTIMS OF WAR
In 2022 and 2023, the GFA BRIDGES team supported the Mental Health Program for Ukraine with a total of EUR 41,807 for the ongoing training of psychotherapists and psychosocial support for victims of war. The GFA-funded initiative is well connected with the mental health project in Ukraine that is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
This assistance enabled the translation and production of teaching materials and provided trainings for 76 psychotherapists to counsel people who experienced traumatic events during the war. A dedicated GFA staff member provides coordination and supervision of this initiative. Patients who met the eligibility criteria received free therapy sessions through the call center. A total of 494 (85% women; 15% men) traumatized victims attended an average of three sessions and achieved a 90% reduction in symptoms, according to the accompanying scientific research.
This project was initiated and coordinated by Heiko Königstein from GFA.
