PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR THE POPULATION IN WARTIME: THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

The article focuses on the role of civil society organizations in providing psychological support to the population of Ukraine amid the full-scale war. It analyzes the main areas of activity of civil society organizations in the field of psychological support for various population groups, outlines the forms of such support, and explores the experience of cooperation between public organizations and state institutions in this sphere. It is argued that civil society organizations have become a key element of the psychological support system during wartime. The professional community of psychologists has demonstrated a high capacity for rapid mobilization, adaptation, and innovative action in response to the large-scale challenges of war. A major precondition for this swift response was the presence of a well-structured professional community with a high level of organization and effective self-governance mechanisms. Key areas of activity include: free individual counseling through volunteer groups and projects; the creation of specialized online platforms and psychological support hotlines; psychological assistance to various categories of military personnel; the development and dissemination of educational and awareness-raising materials on mental health; professional development of psychologists through specialized crisis counseling trainings; and the organization of supervision and burnout prevention for mental health professionals. The study reveals the formation of an intersectoral cooperation model in psychological support, where state institutions provide systemic capacity, scale, and resources, while civil society organizations contribute flexibility, innovative approaches, and targeted responses to the needs of vulnerable groups. This synergy allows for more efficient use of available resources and broader coverage of those in need of psychological support. The accumulated experience opens up prospects for further development of the psychological support system through stable partnerships between the state and civil society organizations, and for the integration of these models into the national mental health system to enhance social cohesion and resilience.