How do I know if a young person needs help?

Signs include persistent sadness, withdrawal, declining school performance, sleep problems, and behavioral changes. If symptoms last more than two weeks, it's worth seeking help.

Where can young people get free mental health help?

School healthcare (counselor, psychologist), youth stations, Sekasin chat (ages 12–29), Mieli ry's crisis line, and health center services are free or affordable.

Can a young person apply for Kela therapy?

Yes, from age 16, if Kela's conditions are met. Therapy applied for under the age of 26 is reimbursed as youth rehabilitation psychotherapy. Care for under-16s is usually arranged in public health care.

How can I support a young person with mental health?

Listen, take their concerns seriously, ask directly about their wellbeing, offer to help them find support, and remember – you don't need to be an expert. What matters most is caring and guiding them to the right help.

Youth mental health: guide for teens and parents

Updated 12 October 2026 · Editorial principles and sources

In brief

Common youth mental health challenges include prolonged low mood, anxiety and sleep problems. Free help is available through school health care, youth stations, the Sekasin chat (ages 12–29) and Mielenterveystalo online therapies (with a doctor's referral). From age 16, under-26s can apply for Kela's youth rehabilitation psychotherapy after 3 months of treatment, with a psychiatrist's B-statement.

Updated 12 Oct 2026

Signs of mental health problems in young people

Mood changes – persistent sadness, irritability, or withdrawal
Declining school performance or absences
Changes in friendships or social isolation
Sleep disturbances or appetite changes
Self-harm thoughts or talk
Starting or increasing substance use

Where can young people get help?

Finland offers many low-threshold services for young people:

School healthcare and counselor

All schools have access to a nurse, counselor, and psychologist services. These are free and confidential.

YTHS (university and higher education students)

University and polytechnic students receive affordable mental health services through YTHS.

Sekasin chat and other online services

Sekasin chat is a free, anonymous chat service for 12–29-year-olds (sekasin.fi). The MIELI Crisis Helpline 09 2525 0111 also serves people of all ages, 24/7 (in Finnish).

Youth stations

Many areas have a youth clinic (nuorisoasema) offering free support for young people. Age limits, services and referral practices vary by region, so check your wellbeing services county's website.

Therapy for young people

16–25-year-olds can apply for Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy as youth psychotherapy, which applies if you are under 26 when applying for the first year. The conditions are the same as for adults: a diagnosed disorder that threatens your ability to study or work, at least 3 months of treatment, and a psychiatrist's (e.g. adolescent psychiatrist's) B-statement. Care for under-16s is usually arranged in public health care.

Current information: Kela and Mielenterveystalo

According to Kela's benefit guidelines (11 Sep 2026), the youth group is ages 16–25: if you are under 26 on the application date, therapy is reimbursed as youth rehabilitation psychotherapy for the whole period of up to three years, even if you turn 26 during therapy. Youth therapy can include guidance visits for parents, and Kela reimburses music therapy only for 16–25-year-olds. Kela reimburses €57.60 per individual session.

Mielenterveystalo offers young people self-help programmes (e.g. for anxiety and depression) and the free Chillaa app. Online therapy is specialised health care and free of charge for residents of Finland, and any doctor can write the referral.

Sources

Tips for parents

Listen and take the young person's concerns seriously
Don't minimize symptoms – ask directly how they're doing
Offer to help them seek support, but don't force it
Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength