A modern mental health center has opened in Dnipro for military personnel, veterans, and their families. This is the first center in a nationwide initiative founded by Viktor and Olena Pinchuk to support Ukraine's defense forces. Each year, over 4,000 defenders and their families will have access to comprehensive mental health care.
The first phase includes the establishment of at least 25 centers across Ukraine, aimed at providing free professional assistance to more than 105,000 heroes annually.
This new center is based in one of Dnipro's key medical institutions, which has become a vital hub for military and civilian aid since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
During a meeting with specialists at the center, Viktor Pinchuk recalled how he and his wife Olena visited heroes in recovery centers last year and discussed their needs for psychological support.
"We understand that many people need psychological support right now, likely millions. But it’s our Heroes who face the toughest challenges on the front lines, risking their health and losing comrades. Their families also require this support. That’s why we are taking this crucial step — I hope to open at least 20 mental health centers this year,” said the founder of the initiative.
All centers in this nationwide network are established by philanthropists in collaboration with state and municipal medical facilities. The project has funded significant renovations to create a modern and comfortable mental health center that meets global standards of inclusivity.
To ensure maximum comfort within the center, a barrier-free environment has been established: wide doorways, no thresholds, anti-slip flooring, and inclusive restrooms suitable for wheelchair users. The center includes a reception area, individual and family counseling rooms, group therapy spaces, and staff facilities, as well as a day hospital.
The Dnipro center will provide psychotherapy using cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-focused therapy, gestalt approaches, crisis counseling, narrative therapy, and family counseling. Additionally, clients will receive psychiatric assistance in accordance with modern clinical treatment protocols.
The specialists at the center will support individuals experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, and other trauma-related issues. A multidisciplinary team comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, case managers, psychotherapists, nurses, and social workers will ensure comprehensive mental health support at each center.
"We help individuals restore their integrity after experiences that shatter them. Our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive support, focusing not only on disorders but also on personal history, pain, and the path to recovery. We employ evidence-based treatment methods: cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, and trauma-informed therapies, along with stabilization and crisis counseling techniques. We emphasize creating a comfortable atmosphere for complete recovery in a safe, barrier-free environment," says Yana Syahailo, head of the Dnipro center.
The center is equipped with modern mental health recovery standards, including a massage vibration chair, stress management devices, art therapy materials, anti-stress toys, yoga mats, tactile aids, and a selection of professional literature on psychology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy.
The founders of the RECOVERY network, Viktor and Olena Pinchuk, believe that quality mental recovery is achievable through a comprehensive approach. The goal of the RECOVERY project is to develop the field of mental health in Ukraine by creating a nationwide network and implementing educational programs for specialists. Collaborating with leading Ukrainian and international experts, specialized training programs are being developed to help medical professionals provide effective support to those traumatized by the war. By 2025, 90 educational events are planned, including an annual scientific-practical conference titled "RECOVERY: The Path to Mental Restoration," gathering leaders in the field from across the country.
To date, memorandums for the establishment of RECOVERY mental health centers have been signed with 15 medical institutions. In the latter half of 2025, new centers will open in various regions, expanding the RECOVERY network and providing access to professional psychological assistance to even more military personnel, veterans, and their families.
