Therapy through occupational health: a guide
Updated · Editorial principles and sources
In brief
For many, occupational health care is a quick route to mental health support. Occupational health psychologist services are usually free for the employee if they are included in the employer's contract, and occupational health care can refer you to a psychiatrist for the B-statement needed for Kela therapy. This guide covers what occupational health offers and how the move to longer therapy works.
Private psychotherapist or occupational health psychologist: short answer
An occupational health psychologist suits you when you need a short period of support quickly for work strain and coping: the service is usually free for the employee, with a few sessions depending on the contract. A private psychotherapist suits you when you need longer, regular therapy: a session costs about 95-122 euros, and Kela can reimburse rehabilitation psychotherapy at 57.60 euros per session if the conditions are met.
| Occupational health psychologist | Private psychotherapist | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually free for the employee if covered by the occupational health contract | About 95-122 euros / 45 min; about 37-64 euros out of pocket after Kela reimbursement |
| Access route | Through an occupational health nurse or doctor | You book yourself; Kela therapy needs a psychiatrist's B statement |
| Number of sessions | Often a few sessions, depending on the employer's contract | Agreed with the therapist; Kela reimburses up to 80 sessions a year and 200 in total |
| Kela support | No, the employer pays for the service | Yes, if Kela has granted rehabilitation psychotherapy |
| Who it suits | Work-related strain, stress, a short assessment and referral to further care | Long-lasting or wide-ranging symptoms that need regular therapy |
Figures: Kela and published provider prices, checked 29 October 2026. Occupational health services vary by the employer's contract.
What does occupational health offer for mental health?
Occupational health doctor
Assesses your situation, makes a diagnosis if appropriate and treats you. Refers you to a psychiatrist for the Kela therapy B-statement if needed. Can write sick leave and decide on medication.
Occupational health psychologist
Offers a short support period for work strain, stress and coping. Usually free for the employee. Can refer you to further therapy.
Brief therapy in occupational health
Some occupational health contracts include short-term therapy. Check what your contract covers with HR or occupational health.
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 an occupational health psychologist. The sessions support coping and assess the need for further care. - B-statement and Kela application
If longer therapy is needed and Kela's conditions are met, you need a psychiatrist's B-statement; occupational health care can refer you. Treatment must have lasted at least 3 months after the diagnosis. You then apply for Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy. - Find your own therapist
You choose your own therapist. You can search therapist directories for Kela-approved therapists by location and specialty. They are collected on the Where to find a therapist page.
Clinical supervision or 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 |