The Fourth RETURNING Center Opens in Kropyvnytskyi

A mental health center for military personnel, veterans, and their family members has opened in Kropyvnytskyi. This is the fourth center of the RETURNING (Ukr. «ПОВЕРНЕННЯ») network, founded by Victor and Olena Pinchuk to support people who have experienced psychological trauma as a result of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. 

More than 4,000 Ukrainian defenders and their family members will be able to receive high-quality psychological support at the Kropyvnytskyi RETURNING center every year.

The RETURNING project demonstrates a successful partnership between the private sector and the state, with philanthropists establishing mental health centers at public healthcare facilities. As part of the project, sections of one of Kropyvnytskyi’s leading hospitals underwent major renovations, creating a modern, comfortable, and barrier-free space where military personnel, veterans, and their family members can receive comprehensive psychological support.

“High-quality psychological support for military personnel and their families begins with professionals who continuously develop their expertise. That is why, as we build the nationwide network of RETURNING mental health centers, we focus not only on creating modern facilities, but also on the systematic professional development of specialists. As of the end of October 2025, more than 60 educational events have been held in cooperation with Ukrainian and international experts. Our goal is to introduce the highest standards of mental health support in Ukraine for people who have experienced the consequences of war,” said Svitlana Hrytsenko, Head of the RETURNING project.

The new center includes three specialist rooms for individual and family psychological support, a group therapy room, a two-bed day hospital room equipped with multifunctional electric medical beds, a treatment room, a staff room, a staff lounge, an equipment storage room, a wardrobe, a reception area, and accessible restrooms.  

The center is equipped with everything necessary, from computer equipment and a multimedia projector to the Shiftwave System (USA) for psychological relaxation and stress management. It also has art therapy materials, board games, yoga equipment, and a professional library on psychology and psychotherapy.

The Kropyvnytskyi RETURNING center’s multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and nurses, as well as case managers, social workers, and veteran support specialistswhen needed. This approach ensures comprehensive support — from initial counseling to long-term therapy and social adaptation.

“For us, the most important thing is to see a person behind every request, not a diagnosis. At the RETURNING center, we are creating a space where people can feel safe and trust from the very first minutes. There is no stigma or judgment here — only acceptance, support, and professional care. We protect the privacy of every person, because genuine recovery begins with respect for personal boundaries,” said Antonina Kurinna, Head of the RETURNING Mental Health Center in Kropyvnytskyi.

The center’s specialists use evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, Gestalt therapy, trauma-focused therapy, stabilization and self-regulation techniques, group therapy, and crisis counseling. Particular attention is paid to creating a safe environment, providing empathetic care, and supporting the gradual restoration of patients’ psychological resilience.

RETURNING mental health centers provide free support to military personnel, veterans, and their family members. At the first stage of the RETURNING project, 20–25 mental health centers are planned to open across Ukraine. Every year, they will be able to provide professional support to more than 100,000 military personnel and their family members.