World's first veteran-focused psychedelic therapy training prepares Ukrainian clinicians to treat combat trauma
Fluence, a leading psychedelic therapy training company, and Heal Ukraine Trauma (HUT), a mental health nonprofit, today announced the successful completion of Ukraine's first ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) training program. The groundbreaking initiative is the world's first veteran-focused KAP training program. HUT developed and implemented the training program with input from KAP experts, while Fluence provided the digital learning platform.
HUT collaborated with the Ukrainian Psychedelic Research Association to recruit eight Ukrainian psychiatrists and psychologists. These practitioners have completed the academic and experiential portions of the program to learn how to deliver this innovative group trauma treatment to veterans. The program addresses a critical need in Ukraine, where an estimated 132,000 veterans may not respond to conventional therapies for depression and PTSD. KAP may be legally administered in registered clinics in Ukraine.
"Building on the success of this pilot, we plan to expand the program sixfold next year to extend our capacity to deliver innovative mental health therapies to those who need them most,” said Elise Wilson, Executive Director of Heal Ukraine Trauma. "We aim to establish a sustainable, Ukrainian-led initiative that will significantly increase access to effective therapeutic options for veterans.”
HUT conducted the in-person sessions in a specially adapted basement shelter at the Expio Clinic in Kyiv. The comprehensive training program, developed and implemented by HUT utilizing Fluence's platform, includes:
HUT collaborated with the Ukrainian Psychedelic Research Association to recruit eight Ukrainian psychiatrists and psychologists. These practitioners have completed the academic and experiential portions of the program to learn how to deliver this innovative group trauma treatment to veterans. The program addresses a critical need in Ukraine, where an estimated 132,000 veterans may not respond to conventional therapies for depression and PTSD. KAP may be legally administered in registered clinics in Ukraine.
"Building on the success of this pilot, we plan to expand the program sixfold next year to extend our capacity to deliver innovative mental health therapies to those who need them most,” said Elise Wilson, Executive Director of Heal Ukraine Trauma. "We aim to establish a sustainable, Ukrainian-led initiative that will significantly increase access to effective therapeutic options for veterans.”
HUT conducted the in-person sessions in a specially adapted basement shelter at the Expio Clinic in Kyiv. The comprehensive training program, developed and implemented by HUT utilizing Fluence's platform, includes:
- A rigorous academic curriculum including the latest clinical data on KAP, effective group therapy techniques, and the science of ketamine
- An experiential component with group KAP sessions led by experienced therapists
- A 6-month supervision period
"We're proud that our educational platform and specialized ketamine therapy curriculum could support this pioneering program," said Ingmar Gorman, PhD, Co-founder of Fluence. "Our contribution to HUT's vital training program aligns with Fluence's mission to expand access to quality psychedelic therapy education globally, especially in regions facing urgent mental health challenges."
In addition to the KAP program, HUT is designing veteran peer support programs and mental health resources for veterans’ families to empower individuals and communities to heal holistically.
About Fluence
Founded in 2019 by Elizabeth Nielson, PhD, and Ingmar Gorman, PhD, Fluence is an industry leader in psychedelic therapy training, having educated over 8,000 clinicians and counselors. The company provides comprehensive training programs and collaborates with major research organizations to advance psychedelic therapy through evidence-based practices.
About Heal Ukraine Trauma
Heal Ukraine Trauma is a mental health nonprofit dedicated to helping Ukrainians overcome the trauma of war. HUT works with trauma experts and Ukrainian partners to scale existing evidence-based programs and pilot innovative solutions for veterans, their families, and children.
In addition to the KAP program, HUT is designing veteran peer support programs and mental health resources for veterans’ families to empower individuals and communities to heal holistically.
About Fluence
Founded in 2019 by Elizabeth Nielson, PhD, and Ingmar Gorman, PhD, Fluence is an industry leader in psychedelic therapy training, having educated over 8,000 clinicians and counselors. The company provides comprehensive training programs and collaborates with major research organizations to advance psychedelic therapy through evidence-based practices.
About Heal Ukraine Trauma
Heal Ukraine Trauma is a mental health nonprofit dedicated to helping Ukrainians overcome the trauma of war. HUT works with trauma experts and Ukrainian partners to scale existing evidence-based programs and pilot innovative solutions for veterans, their families, and children.
