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Psychology Support Program for Media During Wartime

Psychological support is another area of assistance that the Lviv Media Forum provides to media professionals as part of its systemic support during the full-scale war. We know that stress, fatigue, and prolonged tension can be just as damaging as losing equipment or office space. That’s why we offer focused support through one-on-one sessions with experienced psychologists.

We work with those whose reporting is vital for the country’s informational resilience, supporting journalists who keep working every day despite risks, emotional strain, and pressure.

  • work under difficult and dangerous conditions, including areas of Ukraine constantly under threat or near active combat zones;
  • have experienced losses or prolonged stress due to the war;
  • show signs of emotional burnout, loss of motivation, or professional fatigue;
  • continually balance personal safety, stability, and professional duties;
  • need support to maintain their ability to work in the media.

Please note that priority is given to media professionals working in high-risk regions. Requests from those in relatively safe conditions (including in western Ukraine) will only be considered if there is a compelling justification.

Why this matters

Media professionals face daily threats to their lives, financial instability, chronic overload, and the pressure of responsibility. They often ignore signs of burnout, postponing self-care because they feel the duty to stay connected, report on events, and speak for those who cannot. But personal resources are limited.

We believe that taking care of one’s mental health is not a sign of weakness — it is a basic necessity to keep working without burning out.

What the program offers

The Lviv Media Forum provides individual psychological sessions for media professionals who have experienced or are experiencing emotional exhaustion, professional burnout, traumatic experiences, fear of losing work, or other job-related challenges. We understand that caring for mental health is critical to staying in the profession.

All participants are guaranteed confidentiality, sensitivity, and respect for personal boundaries.

Within the program, we offer:

  • Up to five one-on-one sessions with professional psychologists, fully covered by the program.
  • Flexibility on the number of sessions — if an applicant can justify needing more, support may be extended in agreement with the Lviv Media Forum team.
  • Adaptable formats to suit the applicant’s needs, including convenient timing, session format (online or in-person, where possible), and the specifics of the request.

Applications are submitted through a short form: form.

Required fields include: applicant’s full name, media outlet or freelancer status, a brief description of their request, and an explanation of why this support is needed now.

The Lviv Media Forum team reviews applications within three business days. Please note that not all requests can be accommodated, and specific reasons for a decision may not be provided.

The program is implemented with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy.