Introduction: Following the full-scale Russian military invasion, Ukrainian psychologists organized systematic crisis care for individuals and communities experiencing extreme acute trauma, distress, and psychological disorientation. According to the Mental Health Coordination Center under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (2022), at least 50% of the population will require mental health support of varying intensity. In response, the National Psychological Association, with international partners, launched a psychological support hotline providing crisis psychological and psychiatric consultations in Ukraine and abroad. The hotline operates direct numbers in 21 countries with the largest Ukrainian populations under temporary protection. In December 2023, the Association launched a website enabling access via audio and video calls for individuals in countries without direct numbers and in temporarily occupied territories where Ukrainian mobile networks are not operational.
Purpose: This contribution describes the processes and conditions in creating an extensive psychological crisis care line for Ukrainians under war conditions: lessons learned and key data.
Methods: Based on reports completed by hotline professionals, an analysis using descriptive statistics was conducted of 20,206 completed one-time consultations (psychological, psychiatric, and social).
Results: Over 3.5 years, the hotline provided 20,206 one-time consultations (20-60 minutes each), including psychological (76%), psychiatric (12%), and social support (12%). Consultations addressed acute stress, mental health symptoms, family and interpersonal conflicts, and parenting challenges. Most requests came from women (66.6%) and adults aged 25-64, with 82% originating in Ukraine and 18% abroad. This large-scale data provides insights into the nature, distribution, and needs of crisis-affected populations during ongoing conflict.
Conclusions: Data-based implications for developing national and international mental health crisis response during large-scale catastrophes, such as wars, are discussed.