Public administration of cross-sectoral interaction in the field of mental health: an experimental project of advanced training for military psychologists at civilian higher education institutions

Keywords: public administration, public management, national security, mental health care, military psychologists, cross-sectoral interaction, resilience building, staffing, professional burnout.

Abstract

The article examines the issues of public administration of the mental health care system in the context of prolonged armed aggression. It is emphasized that the growing need for psychological assistance among military personnel and the civilian population has led to a staff shortage that objectively cannot be overcome solely by traditional methods of closed military education.
The purpose of the study is a comprehensive analysis of the latest public management mechanisms for implementing the government experimental project on the advanced training of military psychologists at civilian higher education institutions. The authors demonstrate the undeniable management advantage of transitioning from a formal nomenclature model to a functional model of staffing in crisis conditions. Involving the intellectual potential of civilian higher education allows the state to quickly deploy intensive modular programs, practically implementing the global strategy of rational task-sharing. This adaptive approach provides both the front line and the rear with the necessary number of certified specialists capable of providing quality psychosocial assistance and performing timely screening. Particular attention in the study is paid to the institutionalization of care for the service providers themselves. It is proven that the regulatory consolidation of mandatory supervision and the development of effective systems for preventing professional burnout are important tools for preserving the core staff of the field.
In conclusion, it is substantiated that flexible cross-sectoral interaction and large-scale digitalization of human resource management form a single resilient national mental health space, laying a solid foundation for the post-war recovery of the nation.

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Author Biographies

Oleksandr Vasylkovskyi, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4, Svobody Sq., Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine

Head of the Psychological Recovery and Reintegration Division, Psychological Support Directorate,
Ministry of Defence of Ukraine,
PhD in Public administration,
Associate Professor of the Department of Law, National Security and European Integration
of Education and Research Institute «Institute of Public Administration»
of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody Sq., Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine

Mykhailo Bilokon, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4, Svobody Sq., Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine

Candidate of Sciences in Public Administration, Associate Professor,
Associate Professor of the Department of Law, National Security and European Integration
of Education and Research Institute «Institute of Public Administration»
of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody Sq., Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine

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Published
2026-05-30
How to Cite
Vasylkovskyi, O., & Bilokon, M. (2026). Public administration of cross-sectoral interaction in the field of mental health: an experimental project of advanced training for military psychologists at civilian higher education institutions. Theory and Practice of Public Administration, 1(82), 231-248. https://doi.org/10.26565/1727-6667-2026-1-13
Section
Peculiarities of State Personnel Policy Realization in Ukraine