Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Ukraine

Dissemination of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) in Ukraine

Between 2018 and 2022, a collaborative international effort was undertaken to introduce and disseminate Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) in Ukraine. Initiated through a partnership between Dr Roslyn Law (Anna Freud National Centre, UK), Dr Vitalii Klymchuk (National Psychological Association, Ukraine), and Dr Viktoriia Gorbunova (Zhytomyr State University), the project aimed to integrate IPT into Ukraine’s mental health system in line with international standards.

The vision for the project included the training of Ukrainian mental health professionals, the creation of an IPT Institute in Ukraine, the promotion of IPT through translated resources and practice manuals, and the conduct of IPT-focused research. The first training wave was planned for psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists with experience in public and private sectors.

While face-to-face training was initially scheduled for April 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift to remote delivery. In April 2020, an online introductory session was held, followed by three days of online practitioner training in November and December 2020 for 30 clinicians. Simultaneous translation and pre-distributed materials supported accessibility. Although the training was well-received, participants expressed a strong need for ongoing supervision and practice-based guidance.

To maintain momentum, the Ukrainian trainees established a peer learning community, which met monthly for theory review and case discussion. Despite efforts, Ukrainian-speaking supervisors within the ISIPT community could not be identified, prompting the exploration of alternative supervision models including peer-to-peer formats and translated transcripts of clinical sessions.

In 2022, amidst the war and displacement within Ukraine, the project continued its mission. Four Ukrainian clinicians were sponsored to attend the Global Mental Health IPT Summer Institute, with support from Columbia University and the Anna Freud Centre. Plans were made to introduce 250 displaced Ukrainian clinicians to IPT resources through ISIPT’s international network, ensuring continued learning and readiness for future implementation in Ukraine.

The project was grounded in empirically supported principles for post-crisis intervention: promoting safety, calming, self- and collective efficacy, connectedness, and hope. Despite immense challenges, this initiative laid the groundwork for integrating IPT into Ukraine’s future mental health recovery and service provision.