Almost 85,500 Ukrainians have turned to family doctors for psychological support during the year

Nearly 85,500 Ukrainian citizens have sought psychological support from family doctors in the past year, Rubryka reports, citing the Ministry of Health.

"At the end of last year, the National Health Service introduced a new package of the Medical Guarantees Program, 'Support and treatment for adults and children with mental disorders at the primary level of medical care.' This decision was driven by the needs arising from the war, with an increasing number of Ukrainians experiencing symptoms indicating certain mental health disorders," the statement said. "Almost 85,500 patients received services at the primary level of medical care under the mentioned package: 64,045 with a family doctor, 12,494 with a therapist, 9,253 with a pediatrician, and 8,194 with another specialist."

According to the Ministry of Health, over 800 medical institutions currently provide services under an agreement with the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU). The NHSU paid medical institutions ₴12,797,556 for the services provided.

The Ministry of Health highlighted that there were many more people in need of assistance. According to Gradus Research, despite the need for psychological support, only 6% of people actually turn to professionals. 40% of respondents cited as the fear of losing or not getting a job as the main reason for such a low number of requests, while over a third of people say it would affect their reputation at work.

The Ministry of Health indicated stigma remained the main obstacle in taking care of one's mental health, stressing services for mental health care can be obtained from family doctors, therapists, and pediatricians working in institutions with a contract for the "Support and treatment for adults and children with mental disorders at the primary level of medical care" package.

These specialists have undergone special training in WHO mhGAP and can provide initial psychological assistance. The knowledge gained in the course allows primary care physicians to recognize symptoms of mental disorders and refer patients to a specialist if needed.

To find the right doctor, Ukrainians can use the online map or call the NHSU contact center at 16-77.

In the news, Olena Zelenska's project, the "How Are You?" campaign, created a special page offering many effective tips on caring for one's mental well-being and the well-being of others.

It was also reported that UNICEF Ukraine, singer Svitlana Tarabarova, and psychologist Svitlana Roiz created the song "Me and You" to support children aged 2-6.

The western city of Lviv welcomed a Children's Mental Health Center at the St. Nicholas Hospital as part of the UNBROKEN KIDS project, where children can receive assistance from psychotherapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other specialists.