Therapist

A therapist is a general term for a professional who provides therapy. In Finland, psychotherapist is a protected professional title: only people with specific training who have been granted the right by the Finnish Supervisory Agency (LVV) may use it. The word 'therapist' on its own (like 'brief therapist') is not protected, so anyone can use it. You can get Kela-reimbursed rehabilitation psychotherapy only from a Kela-approved therapist, so check the title and Kela approval before you start.

What kinds of therapists are there?

According to Mielenterveystalo, psychotherapists represent different therapy orientations, such as cognitive, psychodynamic, solution-focused or integrative psychotherapy. The orientation can affect the therapist's methods and thinking, and many therapists combine orientations in their work. A therapist may work in a private practice, a psychotherapy centre or a medical clinic. Psychotherapy can be attended alone, with a family or partner, or in a group.

How do I check a therapist's qualifications?

According to Mielenterveystalo, the professional titles doctor, nurse, public health nurse, psychologist and psychotherapist are protected. Anyone's professional rights can be checked in the open JulkiTerhikki register by name or registration number. If you apply for Kela-reimbursed rehabilitation psychotherapy, the therapist must also be approved by Kela. You can search for them in Kela's service provider search, but it lists only approved therapists who have chosen to give their contact details.

How do I choose a therapist?

In psychotherapy the most important thing is a good, trusting relationship and a shared understanding of what you are aiming for and by what means. Mielenterveystalo recommends contacting at least a few therapists, arranging an interview visit and considering whether the therapist's way of working suits your situation. A suitable therapist is not always found right away, and not all can take new clients. In Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy you pay for introductory visits yourself.

How much does a therapist cost?

According to Mielenterveystalo, a psychotherapy session usually lasts about 45 minutes and the price can be, for example, 80-140 euros. For Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy, Kela reimburses 57.60 euros per individual session and you pay the rest. Prices and a calculator: cost of psychotherapy.

Therapist, psychotherapist or psychologist?

The titles do not mean the same thing. A psychologist is a professional trained in psychology; a psychotherapist has completed separate psychotherapy training. Read the difference: psychotherapist vs psychologist. Assessing the need for support and therapy often starts at a health centre, occupational health or student health care. Practical help: how to find a therapist.

If you are in immediate danger or have suicidal thoughts, call 112. For crisis support, call the MIELI Mental Health Finland crisis line on 09 2525 0111 (in Finnish, around the clock). More help: crisis help.

What does psychotherapy aim for and how long does it last?

According to Mielenterveystalo, the goals of psychotherapy are to relieve symptoms and suffering, improve functioning and quality of life, increase readiness to solve problems yourself, and prevent illness from recurring. Short psychotherapy usually takes 5-20 sessions and longer psychotherapy 1-3 years, with sessions usually once or twice a week. The goals of therapy are defined individually at the start and become more precise along the way.

Do I need a doctor's statement?

If you pay for psychotherapy entirely yourself, you do not need a doctor's statement, according to Mielenterveystalo. A statement is needed for Kela-supported rehabilitation psychotherapy and for service-voucher psychotherapy granted by public health care. A service voucher may be an option if you cannot get Kela-supported therapy, but availability varies by area.

Sources

• Mielenterveystalo (in Finnish): Psykoterapia, Yksityiset palvelut mielenterveyden tukena, Näin hakeudut psykoterapiaan, Psykoterapian suuntaukset
• Kela: Rehabilitative psychotherapy