Specialists and support options

Illustration of clouds and a human silhouette

Mental health problems can manifest themselves in many different ways, ranging from mild stress to situations where coping with everyday life is seriously impaired. The steps you take to find help depend on how complex the situation is.

Mental health support options can be divided into:

counseling and support services,
treatment and therapy,
services that support coping and life management,
emergency or urgent help options.

The mental health traffic light below will help you quickly assess what kind of support is best suited to your situation (from self-help and daily habits to professional treatment and emergency assistance).

Mental health support options

Counseling and support services

Self-help

Self-help means everything you can do yourself to improve your mental health. This could include reading self-help books, using apps or online programs, doing exercises, participating in support groups, or changing your lifestyle.

Self-help can include increasing self-awareness (noticing your thoughts, feelings, and moods) as well as adjusting your daily habits related to sleep, exercise, rest, nutrition, and socializing. Relaxation and breathing exercises and mindfulness training can also be helpful.

It is important to know that self-help is suitable for mild concerns or to support the work of a specialist, but it does not replace diagnosis or treatment if the symptoms are severe or persistent.

Check out the self-help programs created by TAI!

Anxiety program: Course | Digiriigi Akadeemia learning platform(Opens in new tab)
Depression program: Depression self-help program | Digiriigi Akadeemia learning platform(Opens in new tab)

Self-help

It is important to know that self-help is suitable for mild concerns or to support the work of a specialist, but it does not replace diagnosis or treatment if the symptoms are severe or persistent.

Check out the self-help programs created by TAI!

Anxiety program: Course | Digiriigi Akadeemia learning platform(Opens in new tab)
Depression program: Depression self-help program | Digiriigi Akadeemia learning platform(Opens in new tab)

Psychological counseling

Psychological counseling is conversation-based support that helps you better understand your thoughts, feelings, and life situations.

It is suitable for stress, anxiety, life changes, relationships, or difficult decisions when intensive treatment is not necessary.

Counseling is usually short-term and practical, focusing on strengthening coping skills and creating clarity.

Psychological counseling does not involve diagnosis or medication.

Psychological counseling

Psychological counseling is conversation-based support that helps you better understand your thoughts, feelings, and life situations.

It is suitable for stress, anxiety, life changes, relationships, or difficult decisions when intensive treatment is not necessary.

Counseling is usually short-term and practical, focusing on strengthening coping skills and creating clarity.

Psychological counseling does not involve diagnosis or medication.

Psychosocial support

Psychosocial support helps people cope with situations where their mental well-being is affected by social or practical difficulties. This may include emotional support, counseling, strengthening everyday coping skills, and finding appropriate support services.

Psychosocial support is provided by social workers, peer counselors, and support service providers. It is not a treatment method, but it helps to create a sense of security, reduce isolation, and restore daily balance.

Psychosocial support

Victim support

Victim support provides support to people who have experienced violence, crime or other difficult and traumaticevents. The support includes emotional support, crisis counseling, information sharing, and practical guidance.

If necessary, you will be referred to other specialists and helped with applying for compensation. The service can also be used if the incident has not been reported to the police.

Victim support

If necessary, you will be referred to other specialists and helped with applying for compensation. The service can also be used if the incident has not been reported to the police.

Treatment and therapy

Psychiatric help

Psychiatric care includes the diagnosis of mental disorders, treatment and rehabilitation of people with mental disorders, and activities to prevent mental disorders.

Psychiatric help

Psychiatric care includes the diagnosis of mental disorders, treatment and rehabilitation of people with mental disorders, and activities to prevent mental disorders.

Psychological treatment

Psychological treatment includes psychological assessment and therapeutic interventions.

Psychological treatment

Psychological treatment includes psychological assessment and therapeutic interventions.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is an evidence-based treatment method that helps you understand and change your thoughts, feelings, and behavior in order to improve your mental well-being and daily functioning. The therapist supports you through conversation and various methods, helping you find new ways to cope with difficulties.

Psychotherapy uses a number of approaches that differ in their focus and methods. The most common ones are:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – helps identify and change harmful patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior to alleviate anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
Schema therapy – focuses on understanding and changing schemas, or deep-seated beliefs, formed during childhood and earlier experiences.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – supports emotion regulation and coping with intense feelings or impulsive behavior, and is particularly effective for borderline personality disorder.
Family therapy and couples therapy – help improve communication and resolve conflicts between family members or partners, supporting the functioning of the family system as a whole.

Psychotherapy can take place individually, in pairs, in families, or in groups.

Psychotherapy uses a number of approaches that differ in their focus and methods. The most common ones are:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – helps identify and change harmful patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior to alleviate anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
Schema therapy – focuses on understanding and changing schemas, or deep-seated beliefs, formed during childhood and earlier experiences.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – supports emotion regulation and coping with intense feelings or impulsive behavior, and is particularly effective for borderline personality disorder.
Family therapy and couples therapy – help improve communication and resolve conflicts between family members or partners, supporting the functioning of the family system as a whole.

Psychotherapy can take place individually, in pairs, in families, or in groups.

Services that support coping and life management

Rehabilitation services

Rehabilitation services are intended for people with long-term general health, mental health, or coping difficulties.

Their goal is to improve daily independence, work ability, and quality of life. Assistance is provided by a team that may include a psychologist, creative therapist, occupational therapist, and social worker. Services are often coordinated by the Social Insurance Board(Opens in new tab).

Rehabilitation services

Rehabilitation services are intended for people with long-term general health, mental health, or coping difficulties.

Unemployment Insurance Fund services

Unemployment Insurance Fund(Opens in new tab) services help people find, keep, or regain their ability to work. In addition to job placement, they offer counseling, training, work practice, and work rehabilitation. The services are also suitable for those whose working life is disrupted due to mental health issues. The goal is to help people find a suitable and affordable path to the labor market.

Unemployment Insurance Fund services

Rajaleidja

Rajaleidja is a free counseling service for children, young people, and their families. It is worth contacting Rajaleidja if your child needs support at school or kindergarten, for example, with learning difficulties, attention or behavioral problems, coping with school obligations, or choosing a school.

Rajaleidja employs special education teachers, psychologists, speech therapists, and social pedagogues who assess the situation, give recommendations, and, if necessary, refer the child to another specialist or service.

Rajaleidja

Local government

Local government provides social services and support to people whose mental health concerns are related to coping, family relationships, financial situation, or care needs.

It is worth contacting the KOV, for example, if you need social counseling, help with supporting a child or elderly person, referral to rehabilitation services, or initial support in a crisis situation.

The services are mainly coordinated by social workers and child protection workers, who help find suitable solutions and coordinate assistance. Information about the services can be found on the local government website, usually under social services or the social department.

Local government

Local government provides social services and support to people whose mental health concerns are related to coping, family relationships, financial situation, or care needs.

Emergency assistance options

The family doctor's advice line 1220 offers health advice in Estonian and Russian 24 hours a day.
The victim support crisis line 116 006 offers crisis counseling 24 hours a day. You can also contact them via chat or e-mail. They communicate in Estonian, Russian, and English.
Eluliini emotional support hotline – every day from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., in Estonian at 655 8088, in Russian at 655 5688.
Psychiatric first aid – 24 hours a day from emergency medical departments (EMO).

The family doctor's advice line 1220 offers health advice in Estonian and Russian 24 hours a day.
The victim support crisis line 116 006 offers crisis counseling 24 hours a day. You can also contact them via chat or e-mail. They communicate in Estonian, Russian, and English.
Eluliini emotional support hotline – every day from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., in Estonian at 655 8088, in Russian at 655 5688.
Psychiatric first aid – 24 hours a day from emergency medical departments (EMO).

Emergency mental health assistance is available 24 hours a day at the emergency rooms of larger hospitals' psychiatric clinics:

Tallinn: Paldiski mnt 52, tel. 617 2650
Tartu: Raja 31, tel. 731 8764
Pärnu: Ristiku 1, tel. 447 3281
Viljandi: Jämejala, Pargi tee 6, tel. 435 4255

Emergency mental health assistance is available 24 hours a day at the emergency rooms of larger hospitals' psychiatric clinics:

Tallinn: Paldiski mnt 52, tel. 617 2650
Tartu: Raja 31, tel. 731 8764
Pärnu: Ristiku 1, tel. 447 3281
Viljandi: Jämejala, Pargi tee 6, tel. 435 4255

Mental health traffic light

Prevention
Everyday life can bring stressful situations. To prevent tensions from becoming unbearable, everyone can do something to strengthen their resilience.
Daily healthy habits help maintain health, including mental health:
rest and sleep,
exercise,
a regular and varied diet
and supportive relationships.
Alcohol and other drugs do not help alleviate mental health problems. After a momentary release of tension, they can actually exacerbate bad moods or anxiety.
Mental health has deteriorated
If your mental health has deteriorated and it is starting to interfere with your daily life, contact the free mental health helplines. You can do this by phone or online.
Find out if and what kind of mental health support is available from
your employer,
local government, or
other organizations that provide or refer mental health assistance.
Serious difficulties coping
If your mental health has deteriorated to the point where you are having serious difficulties coping with everyday life, contact your family doctor's office as soon as possible.
If you do not know the name or contact details of your family doctor, you can find them by logging in to the Health Portal.
The family doctor center will assess your situation and needs and help you plan your next steps. If necessary, your family doctor will refer you to a suitable mental health specialist, such as a mental health nurse, psychologist-counselor, clinical psychologist, or psychiatrist.

See also the mental health traffic light (PDF)(Opens in new tab) compiled by the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Which specialist should you turn to and when?

Peer counselor

They have gone through a difficult experience themselves and have been trained to support others.

A peer counselor is someone who has gone through a difficult experience themselves (mental health concerns, crisis, addiction, or loss) and has been trained to support others.

It is worth turning to them if you need someone who has been in a similar situation to you, understands you, and can help you take the first step.

A peer counselor is someone who has gone through a difficult experience themselves (mental health concerns, crisis, addiction, or loss) and has been trained to support others.

It is worth turning to them if you need someone who has been in a similar situation to you, understands you, and can help you take the first step.

An experience advisor

does not diagnose,
does not treat,
does not offer psychotherapy.

If necessary, they will refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other specialist.

In Estonia, peer counselors work in crisis and victim support services, rehabilitation, NGOs, and support groups, for example.

An experience advisor

does not diagnose,
does not treat,
does not offer psychotherapy.

If necessary, they will refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other specialist.

In Estonia, peer counselors work in crisis and victim support services, rehabilitation, NGOs, and support groups, for example.

Spiritual counselor

Supports you during a crisis or suffering, based on your own values and worldview.

A spiritual counselor is a counselor who supports you during a crisis or suffering, based on your own values and worldview (even if you are not religious).

It is worth turning to them in the event of grief, a difficult diagnosis, life changes, burnout, complex decisions, or existential questions, when you need above all to calm down and be listened to.

A spiritual counselor is a counselor who supports you during a crisis or suffering, based on your own values and worldview (even if you are not religious).

It is worth turning to them in the event of grief, a difficult diagnosis, life changes, burnout, complex decisions, or existential questions, when you need above all to calm down and be listened to.

A spiritual counselor helps you make sense of what is happening, calm your anxiety, and find inner strength.

A spiritual counselor

does not diagnose,
does not treat,
does not prescribe medication.

If necessary, they will refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other specialist.

A spiritual counselor helps you make sense of what is happening, calm your anxiety, and find inner strength.

A spiritual counselor

does not diagnose,
does not treat,
does not prescribe medication.

If necessary, they will refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other specialist.

Activity instructor

Supports people with special mental needs in their daily lives.

An activity instructor is a specialist who supports people with special mental needs in their daily activities, work and leisure activities, and in shaping a more independent life.

They are consulted when a person has difficulty coping with everyday activities due to mental health or special needs and requires practical support.

In Estonia, activity instructors work in special care and rehabilitation services, nursing homes, and sometimes in people's homes.

An activity instructor is a specialist who supports people with special mental needs in their daily activities, work and leisure activities, and in shaping a more independent life.

They are consulted when a person has difficulty coping with everyday activities due to mental health or special needs and requires practical support.

In Estonia, activity instructors work in special care and rehabilitation services, nursing homes, and sometimes in people's homes.

An activity instructor

helps plan activities,
helps practice necessary skills and maintain a regular daily schedule,
and supports people's participation in community life.

They do not diagnose or treat mental health disorders or offer psychotherapy, but they do collaborate with doctors, psychologists, and social workers.

An activity instructor

helps plan activities,
helps practice necessary skills and maintain a regular daily schedule,
and supports people's participation in community life.

They do not diagnose or treat mental health disorders or offer psychotherapy, but they do collaborate with doctors, psychologists, and social workers.

Creative therapist

Uses creative activities in therapy: music, art, movement, or role-playing.

Creative therapists use creative activities in therapy: music, art, movement, or role-playing. They often work with children, young people, and people with special needs.

It is worth turning to them when it is difficult to put your feelings, emotions, or experiences into words, or when normal conversation does not seem to work.

Creative therapists use creative activities in therapy: music, art, movement, or role-playing. They often work with children, young people, and people with special needs.

It is worth turning to them when it is difficult to put your feelings, emotions, or experiences into words, or when normal conversation does not seem to work.

Creative therapists help people to express themselves better, regulate their emotions, and develop coping skills.

Creative therapists do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe medication – they offer supportive therapy and, if necessary, collaborate with other specialists.

Creative therapists help people to express themselves better, regulate their emotions, and develop coping skills.

Creative therapists do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe medication – they offer supportive therapy and, if necessary, collaborate with other specialists.

Social worker

They can provide support in relation to income, housing, care, family relationships, child welfare, and other issues.

A social worker helps you cope with life's difficulties and mental health issues by looking at your situation as a whole: your family, living environment, and daily coping skills.

It is worth contacting them if you need support with income, housing, care, family relationships, child welfare, or complicated dealings with an institution.

A social worker helps you cope with life's difficulties and mental health issues by looking at your situation as a whole: your family, living environment, and daily coping skills.

It is worth contacting them if you need support with income, housing, care, family relationships, child welfare, or complicated dealings with an institution.

A social worker will advise you, help you find suitable services and benefits, and coordinate cooperation with other specialists.

They work closely with psychologists, doctors, and other specialists to ensure that you receive the right help at the right time.

A social worker will advise you, help you find suitable services and benefits, and coordinate cooperation with other specialists.

They work closely with psychologists, doctors, and other specialists to ensure that you receive the right help at the right time.

Social pedagogue

Provides support in relation to a child's or young person's relationships, behavior, school attendance, or cooperation between home and school.

A social pedagogue is a school or youth work support specialist who helps children and young people cope with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties.

It is worth contacting them if a child or young person's relationships, behavior, school attendance, or cooperation between home and school are causing problems.

Social pedagogues mainly work in schools and youth centers.

A social pedagogue is a school or youth work support specialist who helps children and young people cope with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties.

It is worth contacting them if a child or young person's relationships, behavior, school attendance, or cooperation between home and school are causing problems.

Social pedagogues mainly work in schools and youth centers.

A social pedagogue

helps develop communication and coping skills,
helps resolve conflicts,
supports self-esteem
and provides support in difficult life situations.

They do not diagnose or treat mental health disorders, but work closely with teachers, parents, social workers, and mental health professionals.

A social pedagogue

helps develop communication and coping skills,
helps resolve conflicts,
supports self-esteem
and provides support in difficult life situations.

They do not diagnose or treat mental health disorders, but work closely with teachers, parents, social workers, and mental health professionals.

Special education teacher

Supports children, young people, and adults who have learning, behavioral, or developmental difficulties.

A special education teacher is an educational support specialist who supports children, young people, and adults with learning, behavioral, or developmental difficulties.

It is worth contacting them if learning, attention, behavior, or coping at school causes persistent difficulties.

Special education teachers mainly work in schools, Rajaleidja centers, and rehabilitation institutions.

A special education teacher is an educational support specialist who supports children, young people, and adults with learning, behavioral, or developmental difficulties.

It is worth contacting them if learning, attention, behavior, or coping at school causes persistent difficulties.

Special education teachers mainly work in schools, Rajaleidja centers, and rehabilitation institutions.

Special education teachers

help identify and assess special needs,
help develop learning skills and self-esteem,
and advise students, teachers, and parents.

They do not diagnose mental health disorders or offer treatment, but work closely with psychologists, doctors, and other specialists.

Special education teachers

help identify and assess special needs,
help develop learning skills and self-esteem,
and advise students, teachers, and parents.

They do not diagnose mental health disorders or offer treatment, but work closely with psychologists, doctors, and other specialists.

School nurse

A healthcare professional who supports the health and well-being of students in the school environment.

A school nurse is a healthcare professional who supports the health and well-being of students in the school environment, including their mental health.

You can turn to them with stress, anxiety, sleep or concentration difficulties, frequent complaints of feeling unwell, or other concerns that interfere with the school day.

See more about the role of a school nurse.

A school nurse is a healthcare professional who supports the health and well-being of students in the school environment, including their mental health.

You can turn to them with stress, anxiety, sleep or concentration difficulties, frequent complaints of feeling unwell, or other concerns that interfere with the school day.

See more about the role of a school nurse.

A school nurse

is able to recognize signs of mental health problems,
listens,
provides initial advice
and, if necessary, refers the student to a family doctor, mental health nurse, psychologist, or other specialist.

She does not provide treatment or psychotherapy, but is the first and most easily accessible source of support for students at school.

A school nurse

is able to recognize signs of mental health problems,
listens,
provides initial advice
and, if necessary, refers the student to a family doctor, mental health nurse, psychologist, or other specialist.

She does not provide treatment or psychotherapy, but is the first and most easily accessible source of support for students at school.

School psychologist

Works with children and young people in a school environment.

The school psychologist works with children and young people in a school environment, supporting their emotional well-being and development.

The student or parent can contact them if the child or young person is experiencing stress, anxiety, mood swings, behavioral difficulties, school phobia, or complex relationships.

The school psychologist works with children and young people in a school environment, supporting their emotional well-being and development.

The student or parent can contact them if the child or young person is experiencing stress, anxiety, mood swings, behavioral difficulties, school phobia, or complex relationships.

School psychologist

helps to understand the situation,
conducts conversations
and advises students, teachers, parents, and support specialists who come into contact with the child.

They do not prescribe medication or offer long-term treatment. If necessary, the school psychologist will refer the student to a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or other support specialist.

School psychologist

helps to understand the situation,
conducts conversations
and advises students, teachers, parents, and support specialists who come into contact with the child.

They do not prescribe medication or offer long-term treatment. If necessary, the school psychologist will refer the student to a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or other support specialist.

Family doctor and family nurse

The first people to turn to with mental health concerns.

The family doctor and family nurse are often the first specialists to turn to with mental health concerns. They help you assess your well-being, mood, stress and anxiety levels, and sleep quality. If necessary, they will advise you on how to adjust your daily habits.

Although family doctor centers do not offer long-term psychotherapy, family doctors and family nurses play a very important role in the early detection of mental health concerns and referral to help.

A family doctor can

prescribe medication,
issue sick leave certificates
refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or mental health nurse.

The family nurse supports you by providing counseling and monitoring your condition.

A family doctor can

prescribe medication,
issue sick leave certificates
refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or mental health nurse.

The family nurse supports you by providing counseling and monitoring your condition.

Mental health nurse

A specialist nurse who deals with the initial assessment, counseling, and monitoring of mental health concerns.

A mental health nurse is a specialist nurse who deals with the initial assessment, counseling, and monitoring of mental health concerns.

You can turn to them if you are experiencing anxiety, mood swings, sleep disorders, stress, or other concerns related to your well-being, especially if you need urgent and easily accessible help.

Mental health nurses work in hospitals, health centers, schools, and private practices.

A mental health nurse is a specialist nurse who deals with the initial assessment, counseling, and monitoring of mental health concerns.

You can turn to them if you are experiencing anxiety, mood swings, sleep disorders, stress, or other concerns related to your well-being, especially if you need urgent and easily accessible help.

Mental health nurses work in hospitals, health centers, schools, and private practices.

A mental health nurse

helps you understand your symptoms,
gives advice on health and lifestyle,
uses simple supportive techniques.

If necessary, they will refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

They do not offer long-term psychotherapy or treat complex disorders on their own, but often work together with family doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists.

A mental health nurse

helps you understand your symptoms,
gives advice on health and lifestyle,
uses simple supportive techniques.

If necessary, they will refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

They do not offer long-term psychotherapy or treat complex disorders on their own, but often work together with family doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists.

Psychologist

A mental health specialist who helps you understand your feelings and behavior.

A psychologist is a mental health specialist who has earned a master's or doctoral degree in psychology based on a nationally recognized curriculum.

Consult a psychologist if you want to better understand your thoughts, feelings, or behavior.

A psychologist is a mental health specialist who has earned a master's or doctoral degree in psychology based on a nationally recognized curriculum.

Consult a psychologist if you want to better understand your thoughts, feelings, or behavior.

A psychologist

helps you cope with stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
supports you on your journey of self-development.

A psychologist

helps you cope with stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
supports you on your journey of self-development.

Psychologist-counselor

Provides counseling for life difficulties, stress, anxiety, relationship problems, and other issues that interfere with everyday life.

A psychologist-counselor is a certified psychologist with a master's degree in psychology and additional extensive training in counseling psychology.

You should turn to them if life difficulties, stress, anxiety, relationship problems, or fluctuating self-esteem interfere with your daily life, but you do not feel that you need medication or hospital treatment.

In Estonia, psychological counselors work in healthcare and social institutions, rehabilitation and victim support services, and private practices.

A psychologist-counselor is a certified psychologist with a master's degree in psychology and additional extensive training in counseling psychology.

In Estonia, psychological counselors work in healthcare and social institutions, rehabilitation and victim support services, and private practices.

A psychological counselor

helps you see the situation more clearly,
find new ways of coping,
and prevent problems from getting worse.

If necessary, they will refer you to a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist.

A psychological counselor

helps you see the situation more clearly,
find new ways of coping,
and prevent problems from getting worse.

If necessary, they will refer you to a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist.

Clinical psychologist

Deals with serious mental health issues, such as long-term depression, trauma, addiction, etc.

A clinical psychologist is a certified psychologist who, in addition to a master's degree, has specialized training in clinical psychology and at least one year of supervised practical work experience.

It is worth contacting them if you have more serious mental health issues, such as long-term depression, severe anxiety, traumatic experiences, eating disorders, addiction, or other mental and behavioral disorders.

Clinical psychologists work in hospitals, mental health centers, and private practices. To see a clinical psychologist, you need a referral, for example, from your family doctor. Without a referral letter, you can contact a mental health nurse by registering for an appointment on the Health Portal.

On the Health Insurance Fund website, you will find psychological treatment providers (clinical psychologists) who have concluded an agreement with the Health Insurance Fund(Opens in new tab).

A clinical psychologist

assesses your mental state,
conducts psychological tests
offers evidence-based treatment and psychotherapy.

Depending on their training, they may also have an additional qualification, for example, as a neuropsychologist, psychotherapist, child psychologist, or forensic and correctional psychologist.

A clinical psychologist

assesses your mental state,
conducts psychological tests
offers evidence-based treatment and psychotherapy.

Depending on their training, they may also have an additional qualification, for example, as a neuropsychologist, psychotherapist, child psychologist, or forensic and correctional psychologist.

Psychotherapist

Treats mental disorders with psychotherapy and supports mental health.

A psychotherapist is a thoroughly trained specialist who uses techniques from a specific school of therapy to treat mental disorders and support mental health.

In most cases, psychotherapists have training as psychologists or psychiatrists, but in some schools, therapy may also be provided by specialists in other fields (such as social workers or special educators).

Psychiatrist

A doctor who diagnoses and treats mental and behavioral disorders.

A psychiatrist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats mental and behavioral disorders.

They are consulted when mental health concerns are serious or long-lasting, such as severe depression, severe anxiety, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, or other conditions that may require medication.

In Estonia, psychiatrists work in hospitals, mental health centers, and private practices, and you can make an appointment either with a referral from your family doctor or privately.

A psychiatrist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats mental and behavioral disorders.

They are consulted when mental health concerns are serious or long-lasting, such as severe depression, severe anxiety, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, or other conditions that may require medication.

In Estonia, psychiatrists work in hospitals, mental health centers, and private practices, and you can make an appointment either with a referral from your family doctor or privately.

A psychiatrist

assesses your condition,
prescribes treatment,
prescribes medication if necessary
refers you to psychotherapy.

Some psychiatrists also offer therapy themselves, but most work in collaboration with psychologists and other specialists.

A psychiatrist

assesses your condition,
prescribes treatment,
prescribes medication if necessary
refers you to psychotherapy.

Some psychiatrists also offer therapy themselves, but most work in collaboration with psychologists and other specialists.

Useful contacts for help

Peaasi.ee(Opens in new tab) e-counseling

Counselors listen, give advice, and refer you to a suitable specialist if necessary. You can register at noustamine.peaasi.ee(Opens in new tab).

Peaasi.ee(Opens in new tab) e-counseling

Counselors listen, give advice, and refer you to a suitable specialist if necessary. You can register at noustamine.peaasi.ee(Opens in new tab).

Lahendus.net (Opens in new tab)web counseling

The counselors (problem solvers) are psychology students and alumni who work under the guidance of experienced specialists.

Lahendus.net (Opens in new tab)web counseling

The counselors (problem solvers) are psychology students and alumni who work under the guidance of experienced specialists.

Emotional support and spiritual care hotline 116 123

Counselors offer support every day from 10:00 a.m. to midnight.

Spiritual counselors are available from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Emotional support and spiritual care hotline 116 123

Counselors offer support every day from 10:00 a.m. to midnight.

Spiritual counselors are available from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Child helpline 116 111

Here you can get advice on the mental health and well-being of children and young people, as well as on the website lasteabi.ee.

Child helpline 116 111

Here you can get advice on the mental health and well-being of children and young people, as well as on the website lasteabi.ee.

School psychologists' helpline

In Estonian 1226 Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
In Russian 1227 Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

School psychologists' helpline

In Estonian 1226 Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
In Russian 1227 Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Specialists and support options

Mental health support options

Counseling and support services

Self-help

Self-help

Psychological counseling

Psychological counseling

Psychosocial support

Psychosocial support

Victim support

Victim support

Treatment and therapy

Psychiatric help

Psychiatric help

Psychological treatment

Psychological treatment

Services that support coping and life management

Rehabilitation services

Rehabilitation services

Unemployment Insurance Fund services

Unemployment Insurance Fund services

Rajaleidja

Rajaleidja

Local government

Local government

Emergency assistance options

Mental health traffic light

Prevention

Mental health has deteriorated

Serious difficulties coping

Which specialist should you turn to and when?

Peer counselor

Spiritual counselor

Activity instructor

Creative therapist

Social worker

Social pedagogue

Special education teacher

School nurse

School psychologist

Family doctor and family nurse

Mental health nurse

Psychologist

Psychologist-counselor

Clinical psychologist

Psychotherapist

Psychiatrist

Useful contacts for help

Peaasi.ee(Opens in new tab)north_east e-counseling

Peaasi.ee(Opens in new tab)north_east e-counseling

Lahendus.net (Opens in new tab)north_eastweb counseling

Lahendus.net (Opens in new tab)north_eastweb counseling

Emotional support and spiritual care hotline 116 123

Emotional support and spiritual care hotline 116 123

Child helpline 116 111

Child helpline 116 111

School psychologists' helpline

School psychologists' helpline

Peaasi.ee(Opens in new tab) e-counseling

Peaasi.ee(Opens in new tab) e-counseling

Lahendus.net (Opens in new tab)web counseling

Lahendus.net (Opens in new tab)web counseling