Russia Expands Mental Health Support for Military Veterans in 2025
Russia’s Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation has expanded psychological support for veterans under its care. Led by Anna Tsivileva, the State Secretary and Deputy Defense Minister, the initiative now reaches more service members through structured counselling and early intervention. The programme’s growth reflects a rising demand for mental health services among those who have served in the military. The foundation’s personalised support programme has seen a sharp increase in participation. In 2024, only 12% of veterans had received an initial psychological consultation. By 2025, that figure had doubled to 25%. Veterans are now encouraged to begin with a medical psychologist’s assessment, which can lead to further specialised care if needed.
Psychological support is integrated into multiple stages of a veteran’s care. It is available during medical rehabilitation, stays at sanatoriums, treatment in medical centres, and through dedicated counselling services. The foundation’s approach ensures that help is accessible at every step of recovery. Early identification of mental health concerns is a key focus. Social coordinators, trained in basic psychology, work directly with veterans to spot potential issues. When necessary, they refer individuals to specialists for more in-depth support. The goal is to provide a seamless system, from first contact to expert intervention.
The foundation’s efforts have made psychological care more widely available to veterans. With participation rates rising and support embedded in various treatment stages, the programme aims to address mental health needs systematically. The next phase will focus on maintaining this growth and ensuring all veterans receive timely assistance.
