Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Coordination in Wartime (Ukraine): Lessons from a Humanitarian Perspective

Research Note

Abstract

Introduction: The ongoing war in Ukraine has triggered a large-scale humanitarian crisis, significantly affecting the mental health and psychosocial well-being of the population. In this context, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) has become a vital component of humanitarian response, requiring coordinated and integrated systems aligned with global standards, such as the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) framework.

Purpose: This research explores how MHPSS coordination mechanisms operate in wartime Ukraine, identifies key actors and systemic barriers, and evaluates the impact of coordinated approaches on access, resilience, and psychosocial well-being.

Approach: The study employs a desk-based narrative synthesis methodology, drawing on peer-reviewed literature, humanitarian reports, and policy documents, including the Ukrainian government’s Concept for the Development of Mental Health Care until 2030. Analytical lenses include the IASC MHPSS intervention pyramid and localization theory. The study also proposes visual tools to analyze coordination structures and service delivery pathways.

Results: The study finds that Ukraine’s MHPSS coordination system demonstrates notable adaptability and well-developed structures. Core activities such as 4W mapping, non-specialist training programs, and policy alignment initiatives have expanded access, particularly to community-based care. However, challenges including stigma, provider burnout, insufficient funding, and limited rural access continue to constrain effectiveness. Innovative strategies like telehealth platforms and mobile clinics reflect adaptive resilience. Overlapping mandates and data fragmentation further complicate service alignment. Nonetheless, coordinated efforts have reached over 1.2 million individuals in 2023, with early evidence suggesting reductions in psychological distress among internally displaced populations. These findings underscore the critical role of context-sensitive, decentralized approaches in building sustainable MHPSS systems in conflict-affected settings.

Conclusions: Ukraine’s MHPSS coordination system demonstrates adaptability and effectiveness in crisis settings, but enduring structural challenges remain. Future priorities should include strengthening local leadership, ensuring long-term financing, and integrating services to ensure sustainable support in crisis contexts.