How do I know if my child needs therapy?

Seek assessment if your child's behavior has changed significantly, they suffer from sleep difficulties, withdraw from social situations, are anxious or depressed, or their schoolwork is affected. Physical symptoms like stomachaches and headaches can also indicate psychological distress.

How much does children's therapy cost?

Family counseling center services are free. School healthcare and school counselors are free. Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy is available from age 16. Therapy for under-16s is often arranged through public healthcare or privately (€80–120 per session).

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.

How do I know if my child needs therapy?

Seek assessment if your child's behavior has changed significantly, they suffer from sleep difficulties, withdraw from social situations, are anxious or depressed, or their schoolwork is affected. Physical symptoms like stomachaches and headaches can also indicate psychological distress.

How much does children's therapy cost?

Family counseling center services are free. School healthcare and school counselors are free. Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy is available from age 16. Therapy for under-16s is often arranged through public healthcare or privately (€80–120 per session).

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 Adolescents – When and How to Seek Help?

In brief

Children and adolescents sometimes need professional help for mental health challenges. Children often express distress through behavior –by withdrawing, showing physical symptoms, or behaving aggressively. The earlier help is received, the better the outcomes. Finland has several free services to support children's and adolescents' 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 municipal service offering assessment, brief therapy, and family therapy for children under 13 and their families.
Adolescent psychiatry
Specialized healthcare service for 13–17 year olds. Referral from health center. Offers assessment, medication, and therapy.
Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy (16+)
Kela reimburses rehabilitation psychotherapy for ages 16–67. The adolescent needs a diagnosis and B-statement. Kela reimburses €57.60 per session.