Lviv IT Cluster Opens Mental Health Center for Kids

On December 15, the Mental Health Center began its operations, providing rehabilitation for children and adolescents in need of psychological support. At the center, they will receive free professional assistance from psychotherapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists.

The facility was established as part of the UNBROKEN KIDS project at the Children’s Hospital of St. Nicholas of the First Lviv Medical Association. This unique hospital provides medical care for children from birth to adulthood.

“Due to Russian aggression, children experience trauma and lose both physical and psychological health. Having such a center within the structure of a multi-profile hospital is crucial: once a child receives surgical or trauma treatment, a psychologist immediately starts working with them,” said Ivan Miskiv, the head of St. Nicholas Children’s Hospital.

The Lviv IT Cluster community financed all the expenses related to renovation work, totaling about 12,500,000 UAH. The work included various aspects, from changing water and sewage systems to equipping the center with specialized equipment for various types of therapy.

The creation of the Mental Health Center was supported by Intrivo, JustAnswer, EPAM, DataArt, N-iX, Avenga, Leobit, Romexsoft, Teamvoy, SiTime, Product Madness, Binariks, and funds: On/go for\Good, Red Ventures, Stronger Than Ever.

“I thank the companies that respond to all our ideas and proposals and support the Victory Projects initiative, which also includes the Mental Health Center for Kids. For our community, this project is critically important because it will directly impact the quality of life for present and future generations of Ukrainians,” noted Stepan Veselovskyi, CEO of the Lviv IT Cluster and a member of the Supervisory Board of the UNBROKEN charitable foundation.

“Our main office is located in the USA, so we managed to unite efforts with American funds Red Ventures and Stronger Than Ever, which supported this project. I believe that this center will help our children overcome the consequences and grow physically and mentally healthy,” added Nadia Semen, Director of International Business Development at JustAnswer.

Currently, the center employs 10 specialists, including 5 psychiatrists and 5 psychologists. Other specialists in various hospital departments also provide consultations for children in need of a psychologist or psychiatrist.

“We are pleased to be part of this project. Three months ago, during the Lviv IT Cluster General Assembly Meeting, I first heard about the creation of this center and understood that our company should be a part of it. I am glad that our partners from Intrivo supported this desire,” said Rostyslav Chornyi, Head of the Sales & Marketing Department at Binariks.

The center will provide outpatient treatment, offering comprehensive assistance, group therapies, and individual consultations for children and adolescents. All services will be free, and access to treatment will be possible with a referral from a family doctor.

“In this center, those who will shape our future undergo rehabilitation. Here are future doctors, teachers, company executives, and bankers. This center, along with the Mental Health Center for adults, breaks down prejudices about the perception of psychological health and revolutionizes the situation,” said Oleh Bereziuk, Head of the Psychological Rehabilitation Center at Unbroken.