The 13th Mental Health Center of the Nationwide Network 'POVERNENNYA' Opens in Uzhhorod

The newly established mental health center of the 'POVERNENNYA' network, located in Uzhhorod, has officially commenced operations. This center is designed to offer free professional psychological assistance to more than 4,000 military personnel, veterans, and their families annually. The 'POVERNENNYA' initiative was founded by Viktor and Olena Pinchuk, who are dedicated to supporting the mental health of Ukraine's defenders, veterans, and their families who have experienced the psychological repercussions of the war caused by Russian aggression.

The Uzhhorod center exemplifies a successful partnership between the private sector and the state. Philanthropists are creating modern, comfortable, and barrier-free mental health centers based on state medical institutions. The Uzhhorod center is located at a state medical facility at 20 Ivan Korshynskyi Street, making it accessible to all who need help.

Svitlana Hrytsenko, the project leader of 'POVERNENNYA,' emphasized the importance of timely professional support: "The war affects not only the physical but also the mental health of people — and these consequences often remain unnoticed, yet significantly determine the quality of life. Timely professional support is a necessary condition for recovery. Already today, over 10,000 individuals are receiving assistance in 13 centers of the 'POVERNENNYA' network. We are expanding this network throughout Ukraine so that quality, accessible, and systematic help is nearby for those who have suffered psychological consequences of the war. This is a contribution to the resilience of people and the future of the country."

The Uzhhorod 'POVERNENNYA' center is equipped with modern offices for individual and family therapy, spaces for group therapy, a day hospital, a treatment room, a reception area with a waiting zone, a staff room, and inclusive restrooms. Thanks to project funding, the center is also outfitted with modern technology, software, and equipment for psycho-emotional relief, including the Shiftwave system from the USA.

Moreover, various tools for psychotherapeutic work are utilized in the center, such as metaphorical cards, materials for art therapy, stress-relief tools, and professional literature. A multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and nurses, works with visitors to the center, with a social worker joining as needed. This approach allows for addressing both clinical and psychological and social needs of each individual.

Marina Foluchko, the head of the 'POVERNENNYA' center in Uzhhorod, noted: "In working with military personnel, veterans, and their families, a person-centered approach is key — where we see not a diagnosis but a person with their experiences, pain, and resources. Additionally, at the center, we adhere to psychological inclusivity, creating a safe space where everyone can be heard without judgment and stigma. Such trust becomes the foundation for recovery."

Assistance at the center is provided on an outpatient basis or, if necessary, through mobile outreach teams. Specialists work on the effects of stress, anxiety and depressive states, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adaptation difficulties, and other mental health conditions. Effective approaches are employed at the center, including cognitive-behavioral and trauma-focused therapy, stabilization techniques, self-regulation, and psychoeducation. Individual, group, and family consultations are available, along with medication support if needed.

In addition to Uzhhorod, the 'POVERNENNYA' network already has centers in Ivano-Frankivsk, Dnipro, Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Kropyvnytskyi, Lutsk, Poltava, Rivne, Ternopil, Khmelnytskyi, and Chernihiv. In the first phase of the project, founded by Viktor and Olena Pinchuk, at least 25 centers are planned to open across Ukraine, indicating a growing need for such crucial assistance.

The address of the 'POVERNENNYA' center in Uzhhorod is 20 Ivan Korshynskyi Street. The reception phone number is +38 066 312 36 78. For inquiries, the email address is uzhhorod@poverennya.org.