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Practical Information About Therapy

Seeking therapy can feel complicated. In this section, we explain the practical matters: Kela reimbursements, B-statement, different professional titles, and what to expect from your first therapy session.

Kela Rehabilitative Psychotherapy

Kela reimburses rehabilitative psychotherapy for people aged 16–67 whose mental health disorder threatens their ability to work or study: €57.60 per individual session, up to 80 sessions a year and 3 years. You need at least 3 months of treatment and a psychiatrist's B or BC statement. Apply to Kela before therapy starts.

B-Statement

Doctor's statement required to apply for Kela rehabilitative psychotherapy.

Psychotherapist vs. Psychologist

A psychologist is a university-trained mental health expert; a psychotherapist has completed separate psychotherapy training.

What to Expect from Your First Therapy Session

The first therapy session is an introductory meeting to assess your situation and agree on collaboration.

Occupational Health Psychologist

An occupational health psychologist who helps with work-related stress, strain, and mental health issues.

Clinical Supervision

A professional reflection process where work-related experiences are processed with the support of a trained supervisor.

Attachment Theory

A theory explaining how early relationships shape our ways of bonding with others and behaving in close relationships.

FAQ

First contact a health centre, occupational health, student health care or a private doctor. A professional assesses your situation and suitable care. If a mental health disorder threatens your ability to work or study and has been treated for at least 3 months, a psychiatrist can write a B-statement; you then apply to Kela and find a Kela-approved therapist.
A B-statement is a medical certificate Kela requires for rehabilitation psychotherapy. It must include a psychiatrist's assessment of the diagnosis and rehabilitation need and be no more than a year old. Treatment must have lasted at least 3 months after the diagnosis.
A psychologist has completed a master's degree in psychology at university. A psychotherapist has completed separate psychotherapist training, and the right to use the title is granted by the Finnish Supervisory Agency (Lupa- ja valvontavirasto, formerly Valvira). Many professionals are both. On Mintera, you can filter for both psychologists and psychotherapists.

Related guides

Applying for Kela therapyTherapy pricingStarting therapyTherapy without Kela

Other categories

Therapy TypesMental Health