Honoring Ukraine’s Defenders Through Capacity Building
A message from HUT’s Director of Programs, Amy Goodrich
Standing in Sophia Square on a warm September day in Kyiv, I looked around at more than 300 portraits of fallen soldiers from the Armed Forces of Ukraine honored in the “Warriors of Light” exhibition. As a veteran, military spouse, and mother, it felt deeply personal. HUT’s Executive Director, Elise Wilson, and I were surrounded by hundreds of faces—men and women who had given their lives defending Ukraine. As families searched for their loved ones' images, leaving flowers, toys, and photos by the portraits, we were reminded of the immense grief and loss that Ukraine continues to endure amid the ongoing war. With Ukraine’s National Defender’s Day just behind us, it serves as a powerful reminder of the critical and urgent need for mental health support, especially for veterans and their families.
The Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Program: Building Capacity for Healing
One of the ways HUT is addressing these mental health needs is through its innovative Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) program. Over the past few months, HUT has successfully trained eight Ukrainian psychiatrists and psychologists in providing KAP to groups of veterans, offering a new path for healing trauma. This group therapy model not only allows for more individuals to be treated compared to traditional one-on-one therapy but also fosters shared experiences and community among veterans, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the therapy sessions.
The initial cohort of trained therapists has the potential to reach over 370 veterans in the first year alone. HUT aims to train 64 more therapists in the coming year, exponentially increasing its capacity to meet the ever-growing mental health needs in Ukraine. By 2027, this program could potentially provide therapeutic care to over 9,600 veterans, playing a crucial role in addressing the psychological wounds of war.
Why KAP is Critical for Ukraine’s Future
KAP represents a breakthrough in trauma treatment, particularly for those who have not responded to traditional therapies. The work HUT is doing is not only innovative but essential for the long-term recovery of Ukraine’s veterans and their families. This program exemplifies HUT’s commitment to building a therapeutic community capable of addressing the complexities of war-related trauma. As we honor Ukraine’s defenders this Defender’s Day, we recognize that mental health is as critical to recovery as any battlefield victory.
If you would like to support the mental health of Ukraine’s defenders through our Group KAP Training Program, please consider donating here. Slava Ukraini!