Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Symposium: A Step Toward Mental Health Recovery in Ukraine
In a room packed with over 100 psychiatrists, psychologists, veterans, and health professionals, the buzz of conversation and energy quickly gave way to a sobering moment of silence. The day began with a poignant minute to honor Ukraine’s defenders, serving as a powerful reminder of the immense loss and trauma the country continues to endure due to the ongoing war.
On September 21st in Kyiv, Heal Ukraine Trauma (HUT), in collaboration with the Ukrainian Psychedelic Research Association (UPRA) and the Forest Glade Centre for Mental Health and Rehabilitation, hosted a groundbreaking Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Symposium. The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the science of ketamine, hear from professionals in the field, and discuss KAP projects currently being implemented in Ukraine to foster a growing therapeutic community.
Expanding Knowledge and Building Capacity
With more people interested than seats available in the auditorium, the symposium underscored a rising interest in ketamine-assisted therapy as a viable mental health treatment. Participants heard from leading experts like Dr. David Nutt, a neuropyschopharmacologist at the Imperial College of London about the latest research and applications of ketamine in psychotherapy and Dr. Vladislav Matrenitsky, founder and director of Ukraine’s first ketamine clinic.
A key highlight of the symposium was the presentation of HUT’s KAP Capacity Building Program. Facilitators Zach Skiles, PsyD, and Neeka Levy, RN, along with HUT’s Executive Director, Elise Wilson, delivered an in-depth overview of the ketamine-assisted psychotherapy initiative, outlining both its current success and future expansion plans. The session concluded with a panel featuring the eight therapists who participated in the pilot program, each of whom works with veterans. As the KAP pilot comes to a close, these therapists will apply their newly acquired skills to help heal the psychological wounds of Ukrainians.
The symposium also opened the door for therapists interested in joining the second cohort, which will expand the program’s reach and effectiveness in healing war-related trauma.
The Path Forward for Mental Health in Ukraine
This symposium was not just an event, but a critical step in addressing Ukraine’s urgent mental health needs. By providing a platform for collaboration and education, HUT, UPRA, and Forest Glade are contributing to the development of a robust therapeutic community to set the foundation for best practices and peer-support in ketamine-assisted therapy. As HUT continues its mission to heal veterans and their families from war-related trauma, the momentum generated by this symposium will help ensure that innovative, effective treatments like KAP are made available to those in need. Through such initiatives, we are fostering long-term mental health recovery and social cohesion in Ukraine.
