PTSD Resolution and the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) have announced a strategic partnership to address the growing mental health challenges faced by its membership of more than 10,000 cybersecurity professionals. This collaboration aims to provide comprehensive mental health support through trauma awareness training and access to professional therapy services.

The agreement, effective from May 1st 2025, introduces a structured programme of mental health support specifically designed for the high-pressure cybersecurity environment. Recent research indicates that over half (51%) of cybersecurity professionals report serious mental health impacts from work-related stress, according to CIISec's 2020/21 State of the Profession report.

With UK businesses facing an estimated 8.58 million cyber crimes annually, and the National Cyber Security Centre handling 542 nationally significant incidents in the past year, the psychological toll on frontline defenders has reached crisis levels. The pressure to protect against ever-evolving threats—amid potential economic losses of £27 billion—has created an urgent need for targeted mental health interventions in the industry.

“Executive burnout and the trauma experienced in high-pressure cybersecurity roles share many similarities with the military trauma we regularly treat... Through this partnership, we can extend our proven Human Givens Therapy (HGT) approach to help cybersecurity professionals before burnout leads to serious mental health issues.” — Colonel Tony Gauvain (Retired), Chairman of PTSD Resolution

Under the agreement, PTSD Resolution will provide:

• Free introductory workshops: Twice-yearly online Trauma Awareness Training for Everyone (TATE) workshops for CIISec Corporate Members
• Half-day training sessions: More comprehensive trauma awareness training for organisations, equipping managers to recognise symptoms and support team members
• Confidential therapy services: Direct access to PTSD Resolution’s network of 200 accredited therapists, with an average of seven sessions per treatment

“The mental wellbeing of cybersecurity professionals is intrinsically linked to the security of our digital infrastructure... This partnership with PTSD Resolution addresses a critical but often overlooked aspect of our industry.” — Amanda Finch, CEO of CIISec

The partnership particularly focuses on addressing burnout, which manifests through symptoms including emotional exhaustion, depression, and reduced sense of accomplishment. With professionals facing the psychological strain of defending against cyberattacks—costing UK businesses an estimated £30.5 billion in 2023—the mental health toll is substantial.

CIISec Corporate Members will benefit from specialised training to create environments that promote resilience and wellbeing, while individual members gain access to confidential therapy without needing employer or medical referral.

UK Armed Forces veterans within CIISec’s membership will continue to receive PTSD Resolution’s services free of charge, aligning with the charity’s founding mission.

For more information, CIISec members can visit the members’ area at www.ciisec.org.