How do I know if my child needs therapy?

Seek an assessment if your child's behaviour has changed significantly, they have sleep problems, withdraw from social situations, seem anxious or low, or their schooling suffers. Physical symptoms such as stomach aches and headaches can also signal psychological distress. If your child talks about self-harm or suicide, contact health care immediately; in an emergency call 112.

How much does children's therapy cost?

Family counselling services, school health care and school social workers are free. Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy is possible from age 16. Therapy for under-16s is often arranged through public health care or privately, in which case the price varies by therapist.

How do I get my child into therapy?

Contact the child health clinic nurse, school nurse, or family counseling center. They assess the situation and direct you to the right service. You can also go directly to a private therapist without a referral.

Do parents participate in the child's therapy?

It depends on the therapy type and child's age. In play therapy, the therapist usually meets parents separately. In family therapy, everyone participates. In adolescent therapy, the young person meets the therapist alone, but parents are informed as agreed. Parent participation is important for treatment success.

Therapy for children and teens: when to seek help

Updated 30 October 2026 · Editorial principles and sources

In brief

Children and young people sometimes need professional help with mental health challenges. Children often express distress through behaviour: withdrawing, physical symptoms or aggression. Seeking help early is worthwhile. Finland has several free services supporting children's and young people's mental health.

When does a child or adolescent need help?

Children often express distress differently from adults. Watch for these signs:

Sudden behavioral change

Social withdrawal

Sleep difficulties or nightmares

School avoidance

Aggression or sudden outbursts

Physical symptoms (stomachache, headache)

Self-harmful speech or behavior

Eating disorders or weight changes

Therapy types for children and adolescents

Play therapy (under 12)

The child processes emotions through play. The therapist interprets the child's play and helps them express and process difficult experiences safely.

Art therapy and music therapy

Creative therapy suits children who find it difficult to express themselves verbally. Art and music provide a safe channel for processing emotions.

Family therapy

The whole family participates in therapy. Particularly useful when the child's symptoms are related to family dynamics or life situation (parents' divorce, sibling conflict).

Adolescent psychotherapy (13+)

CBT and psychodynamic therapy are suitable for adolescents similar to adults. The adolescent meets the therapist alone, but parents may participate in some sessions.

Care pathways in Finland

Child health clinic and school healthcare
First point of contact. The nurse or school counselor assesses the situation and refers forward if needed.
Family counseling center
A free wellbeing services county service for families with children, offering assessment, counselling and family work. Age limits and services vary by region.
Adolescent psychiatry
A specialised health care service for adolescents; age limits vary by region. A referral is needed. Offers assessment and treatment.
Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy (16+)
Kela can reimburse rehabilitation psychotherapy from age 16 if a diagnosed disorder threatens the ability to study or work, has been treated for at least 3 months, and a psychiatrist (e.g. an adolescent psychiatrist) has written a B-statement. Individual therapy is reimbursed at €57.60 per session (kela.fi, 29 Oct 2026).