Universal mental health training: policy proposal for Ukraine

This policy proposal outlines the challenges and relevant policy actions for scaling up Universal Mental Health Training (UMHT) in Ukraine. The UMHT is an educational program that aligns with Ukraine’s new Law on the Mental Health Care System adopted in 2025, and is supported by data from pilot research. It equips frontline professionals - those who work closely with clients and service users, including teachers, police officers, and social workers - with foundational skills to identify mental health concerns, provide initial support, and facilitate referrals to specialized services. The UMHT implementation has the potential to bridge the mental health treatment gap by creating a broad base of accessible community-level helpers.

Key policy challenges include integrating mental health support into existing professional roles, ensuring sustainable financing beyond international grants, maintaining quality through ongoing supervision, and countering stigmas. To address this, the proposal advocates embedding the UMHT competencies in occupational standards, leveraging intersectoral coordination through the Coordination Center for Mental Health, shifting towards local budget allocations and academic partnerships, and pursuing continuous professional development.