Psychological assistance can involve both counselling and therapy. During counselling, the aim is to ease coping in both everyday life and complex life situations and relationships. In therapy, the focus is primarily on changes within the individual’s personality.

Psychologists primarily work in two types of institutions – hospitals and outpatient clinics, as well as private practice. To receive a psychologist’s consultation or psychotherapy funded by the Health Insurance Fund, a referral from a psychiatrist or family physician is required. You are likely to get an appointment for a consultation more quickly in private practice. In hospitals and outpatient clinics, the Health Insurance Fund covers the cost of psychological services, but some private practices also offer the same option.

Crisis and grief counsellinghelps cope with the strong emotions arising from a crisis, make sense of what has happened and find the strength to cope with the situation (including discussing appropriate options for help). Crisis counselling can help prevent the development of more severe, lasting and daily life-disrupting mental health problems. The duration of counselling depends on the specific case – sometimes one or two meetings are sufficient, while in other cases, meetings with the counsellor may take place over a period of a few months

The Emotional Support and Pastoral Care helpline 116 123 offers support every day from 10:00 to 24:00. The pastoral care providers are available on the same line from 16:00 to 24:00. Calling is free of charge. Support is available in Estonian, Russian, and English.

If you do not wish to call, then the option for an online chat is available through www.palunabi.ee, and online counsellors at the Child Helpline website can also assist.

Family therapy is a psychotherapy method that helps systematically address problems that arise in relationships with their loves ones and other significant people. Family therapy focuses on the communication between family members and the quality of relationships, as well as the various developmental crises within the family and how to cope with them. You can go to a family therapist alone to discuss family relationships, but it is definitely more effective to go with the whole family.

In Estonia, several associations and trained peer consultants offer peer consulting. Their contact details can be easily found online through a search.

Some experience stories can be found in the handbook ‘Teekond erilise lapse kõrval’ (The Journey Next to a Special Child) published by the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People (a downloadable PDF format book).

There are many groups for children with special needs and their parents on social media, such as Facebook. Search for them there by keyword.

The website Tarkvanem.ee provides information and advice on parenting, support, training courses, and other opportunities. It aims to promote the mindset that parenting skills can be learned and that seeking advice and help is perfectly normal.

The website Peaasi.ee focuses on promoting mental health, preventing mental health issues, early intervention and reducing stigma in our society. The portal also offers e-counselling. The team consists of professionals in mental health and youth and education sector from various backgrounds.

The Family Care Support Information Point (Omastehoolduse infopunkt) provides knowledge, support, and hope on the journey of caring for a loved one. The website provides knowledge, support and information. It was developed by the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Ministry of Social Affairs
The Chamber of Peer Counsellors

Social Insurance Board - Mental health in crisis
Social Insurance Board - Palunabi - Emotional support
Estonian Family Therapy Association – For families in crisis