Ukrainian Experience of Socio-psychological Support for Internally Displaced Persons with War Related Trauma

Abstract

The article provides a scientific and analytical generalization of the Ukrainian experience of socio-psychological support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have experienced war-related trauma. It reveals the scale and specificity of the challenges caused by the prolonged armed conflict and the full-scale invasion, including mass population displacement, loss of basic security, disruption of social ties, identity crisis, and the widespread prevalence of psychological distress symptoms. The key practical tasks of the IDP support system are outlined: ensuring access to social guarantees, developing a multi-level MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) model, and strengthening the capacity of communities and sectoral systems to provide long-term assistance to individuals with traumatic war experiences.

The article analyzes contemporary governmental and civil society cases, including the network of «Resilience Centers», the national mental health program  «How Are You? », integration of mental health into primary healthcare, the activities of multidisciplinary teams, large-scale mhGAP and PFA training, the implementation of evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches (CETA), and child- and family-focused support models. The importance of intersectoral coordination, partnership with international organizations, and the transition from fragmented activities to a systemic ecosystem of resilience is emphasized. Particular attention is paid to the persistence of the treatment gap, inequality of access, and the need to introduce standardized evaluation of program effectiveness as a prerequisite for shaping a long-term policy of human capital recovery in the post-war period.