Can I get therapy through occupational health?

Occupational health typically offers free brief interventions with an occupational health psychologist (1–5 sessions). Some occupational health contracts also include brief therapy (5–10 sessions). Long-term psychotherapy is typically accessed through Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy.

Do I need my employer's permission to seek therapy?

No. You can book an appointment with occupational health yourself and discuss your situation confidentially. Occupational health records are bound by confidentiality –your employer cannot learn the reason for your visit without your permission.

How are occupational health and Kela therapy connected?

The occupational health doctor can write a B-statement, which is required for Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy. Occupational health is often the first step toward long-term therapy. Occupational health psychologist visits do not reduce your Kela therapy session quota.

Can I get therapy through occupational health?

Occupational health typically offers free brief interventions with an occupational health psychologist (1–5 sessions). Some occupational health contracts also include brief therapy (5–10 sessions). Long-term psychotherapy is typically accessed through Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy.

Do I need my employer's permission to seek therapy?

No. You can book an appointment with occupational health yourself and discuss your situation confidentially. Occupational health records are bound by confidentiality –your employer cannot learn the reason for your visit without your permission.

How are occupational health and Kela therapy connected?

The occupational health doctor can write a B-statement, which is required for Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy. Occupational health is often the first step toward long-term therapy. Occupational health psychologist visits do not reduce your Kela therapy session quota.

Therapy Through Occupational Health – A Practical Guide

In brief

Occupational health is often the fastest and easiest route to mental health support. Occupational health psychologist services are usually free, and the occupational health doctor can write a B-statement for Kela therapy. This guide covers what services occupational health offers and how the transition to longer therapy works.

What does occupational health offer for mental health?

Occupational health doctor

Assesses your situation, makes a diagnosis, and writes a B-statement for Kela therapy if needed. Can prescribe medication and sick leave.

Occupational health psychologist

Offers 1–5 session brief interventions for work stress, strain, and coping. Free for the employee. Can refer to ongoing therapy.

Brief therapy in occupational health

Some occupational health contracts include brief therapy (5–10 sessions). Check your contract with HR or the occupational health website.

Pathway from occupational health to therapy – step by step

Book an appointment
Contact occupational health and say you want to discuss your wellbeing. You can book directly with a doctor or nurse.
Doctor's assessment and diagnosis
The doctor assesses your situation, makes a diagnosis, and decides on treatment. Options include medication, sick leave, brief therapy, or referral to psychotherapy.
Meeting the occupational health psychologist
The doctor can refer you to the occupational health psychologist for 1–5 sessions. These sessions assess therapy needs and support coping.
B-statement and Kela application
If longer-term therapy is needed, the occupational health doctor writes a B-statement. Based on this, you apply for Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy.
Find your own therapist
You choose your own therapist. You can search for Kela-approved therapists by location and specialty on Mintera.

Clinical supervision vs. therapy – which suits you?

	Supervision	Therapy
Focus	Work and professional role	Personal wellbeing
Payer	Employer	Self / Kela
Suitable when	Work is stressful, professional development	Symptoms affect broader life