Mental health is as crucial as physical health. There are times when stress, depression, anxiety, or more severe conditions like psychosis or bipolar disorder require psychiatric care. In Finland, the mental health system is designed to ensure that everyone can access the necessary help without stigma, with respect for their rights and individual needs.
This guide will walk you through the steps to access psychiatric care in Finland, explain your rights as a patient, and provide practical advice for emergency situations or when seeking support for yourself or a loved one.
When Should You See a Psychiatrist Instead of a Psychologist?
Seeking psychiatric help is appropriate if you or someone close to you experiences the following:
- Deep, prolonged depression that doesn’t improve.
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks interfering with daily life.
- Psychotic symptoms: hallucinations, delusions, or distorted perception of reality.
- Sudden mood swings, uncontrolled aggression, or total emotional numbness.
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harming behavior.
- Addiction issues (alcohol, drugs) affecting mental health.
- Previous psychiatric treatment with a relapse of symptoms.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medications. Psychologists and psychotherapists mainly offer talk therapy but cannot prescribe drugs.
How to See a Psychiatrist Through the Public Healthcare System
Step-by-Step Process:
- Contact your local health center (terveysasema, terveyskeskus, sosiaali- ja terveyskeskus, hyvinvointiasema). 📌 Find your local center via your municipality’s or wellbeing region’s website: Hyvinvointialueet kartalla - Sosiaali- ja terveysministeriö
- Book an appointment with a general practitioner (GP) and discuss your symptoms openly.
- Obtain a referral (lähete) if the doctor deems it necessary. The referral grants you access to psychiatric outpatient services.
- Wait for an appointment. Waiting times vary from a few weeks to several months depending on urgency. Urgent cases are prioritized.
Can You See a Psychiatrist Without a Referral?
Yes, but only privately. You can book an appointment directly with private healthcare providers like:
💰 The cost of a psychiatric consultation in a private clinic is approximately €90–160. Kela may reimburse part of the cost if you are insured in Finland.
What If You Need Urgent Psychiatric Help?
In crisis situations:
- 📞 116 117 – 24/7 medical helpline.
- 🏥 Visit your nearest emergency department (päivystys).
- ☎️ 112 – Emergency number if there’s an immediate risk to life or safety.
How Does Involuntary Treatment Work?
Involuntary psychiatric care is used only in severe cases:
- When a person poses a danger to themselves or others.
- When someone has acute psychosis and cannot assess their actions.
A doctor makes the decision. Patients can appeal against involuntary treatment. 📄 Legal basis: Mental Health Act – Laki mielenterveyslaista.
What Are Your Rights as a Patient?
- Right to respectful treatment and confidentiality.
- Right to refuse treatment, unless it is involuntary.
- Right to seek a second opinion from another doctor.
- Right to be informed about your diagnosis and treatment.
- Right to a translator if you don’t speak Finnish.
🟢 More information on patient rights: Patient Ombudsman - AVI.
What If You Disagree With a Diagnosis or Treatment Plan?
- Discuss your concerns with your psychiatrist.
- Request a referral for a second opinion.
- Contact a Patient Ombudsman (Potilasasiamies) at your wellbeing service county.
How to Apply for Kela’s Financial Support for Therapy
Kela’s Rehabilitation Psychotherapy is available if:
- You experience mental health issues affecting your work or studies.
- You have a psychiatrist’s evaluation after at least three months of treatment.
📌 Application: kela.fi
💶 Reimbursement: Up to 80 therapy sessions per year.
Support for Children, Adolescents, and Migrants
- Children and Adolescents: School psychologists, child psychiatry (via referral from a doctor).
- Refugees and Migrants: Helsinki Deaconess Institute’s Center for Psychotraumatology (Helsingin Diakonissalaitos) for those affected by war, violence, or torture.
Psychiatric care in Finland is built on accessibility, patient rights, and dignity. Seeking help is an act of self-care, not weakness. Your mental health is the foundation of your life.
🌐 Useful Resources:
You are not alone. Help is available.