The Second Stage of the Grant Initiative “Rehabilitation of War-Affected Individuals with PTSD Symptoms Using VR Technologies” Has Begun
In Ukraine, the second stage of a grant project has started, aimed at helping people who have lived through war and are experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
From July 21 to August 22, 2025, the teams of “Kyivshchyna – TSE MY” and VR-Mentality, together with colleagues from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, will work on imploved a training program for mental health professionals.
The purpose of this program is to integrate modern VR technologies into therapeutic practice. It uses the method of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET), which is internationally recognized and has proven effective in treating PTSD.
The integration of these technologies into the Ukrainian context includes:
- training qualified specialists;
- improving programs adapted to the specific challenges of the country.
Ukraine, enduring the consequences of a full-scale war, urgently needs new solutions to support mental health. Traditional methods of therapy are no longer sufficient, as the number of people requiring assistance continues to grow. VR therapy makes it possible to recreate controlled environments in which patients can safely relive traumatic experiences and gradually reduce stress symptoms.
We believe that investing in training and technology today is an investment in the recovery of the country tomorrow.
The project is implemented with the support of the Visegrad Fund and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.
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The Second Stage of the VR Therapy Training Program for PTSD Treatment Completed
On August 22, 2025, the second stage of the grant project aimed at refining the training program “The Use of VR Technologies for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)” was completed. This stage marked an important step in advancing modern psychotherapeutic methods in Ukraine.
Goals and Objectives of the Stage
The main objective was to adapt existing international VR exposure therapy protocols to the Ukrainian context, taking into account the specific realities of wartime experience. War constantly changes the nature of stress factors: while in 2022 the triggers were primarily linked to trench warfare, today the prevailing influences are associated with drone and missile attacks. Therefore, the program requires continuous adaptation to new realities.
Participants and Partners
The second stage involved:
- 20 Ukrainian experts (psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, psychotherapy doctors);
- experts from Slovakia and the Czech Republic;
- partners from VR Mentality;
- specialists from Bogomolets National Medical University;
- the Regional Psychiatric and Narcological Medical Association;
- NGO “Kyivshchyna – TSE MY”.
A key element was the involvement of volunteer medics from the frontline, whose practical combat experience revealed challenges that civilian doctors would hardly be able to identify.
Results Achieved
As a result of the second stage:
- the effectiveness of VR therapy in working with patients suffering from PTSD symptoms was confirmed;
- the need to create Ukrainian protocols adapted to the combat experience of both military personnel and civilians was formulated;
- the necessity of expanding training materials (updated triggers, methodological guidelines, videos, and case studies) was identified.
Participants noted that VR exposure therapy allows patients to work through traumatic situations in controlled and safe conditions, gradually reducing the intensity of traumatic reactions.
Next Steps
The next project tasks include:
- NGO “Kyivshchyna — That’s Us” conducting a survey among active military and veterans to document current triggers;
- providing recommendations to partners and medical practitioners on improving methodologies and updating VR scenarios;
- refinement of new training and methodological materials for the practical application of VR therapy.
These measures aim to enhance the effectiveness of PTSD treatment and to establish Ukrainian protocols that reflect the country’s unique wartime experience.
The project is implemented with the support of the Visegrad Fund and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.
