About ADHD
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) affects attention, impulsivity and activity in children and adults. Diagnosis requires a thorough assessment, often by a psychiatrist, neuropsychologist or specialised psychologist. Treatment may include psychoeducation, behavioural strategies, support at school or work and, if appropriate, medication.
Occupational therapists help people gain or recover independence in daily activities after an illness, injury or developmental difficulty: self-care, school, work and leisure. They often work with children with autism or sensory needs and with older adults.
Getting mental health care in Estonia
Public health system · Tervisekassa (Estonian Health Insurance Fund)
Insured people can see a psychiatrist free of charge at a Tervisekassa contract partner, and clinical psychologist visits and psychotherapy are covered with a family doctor's or specialist's referral. Availability of contracted clinical psychologists varies by county and waiting lists can be long. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Eesti Psühholoogide Liit (Estonian Union of Psychologists), occupational qualification register. The general title psychologist is not protected. Clinical psychologists hold a professional qualification certificate (kliiniline psühholoog, tase 7, with specialisations such as clinical psychologist-psychotherapist or neuropsychologist) recorded in the national occupational qualifications register; check the certificate there.
- Terviseamet (Health Board). Psychiatrists must be registered as healthcare professionals with the Health Board, which keeps the national register of healthcare workers.
Insurance and coverage
Statutory health insurance covers psychiatric care and referred clinical psychology or psychotherapy at contracted providers; private sessions without referral are paid out of pocket.
Urgent help in Estonia
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 116 123 · Emotsionaalse toe ja hingehoiu telefon
- 655 8088 · Eluliin
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: terviseamet.ee, tervisekassa.ee
Signs to look out for
Everyone gets distracted at times. ADHD may be worth assessing when difficulties with attention, organisation, impulsivity or restlessness have been present since childhood, appear in different settings such as school, work and home, and cause real problems: unfinished tasks, frequent lost items, forgetting appointments, acting without thinking, or feeling constantly restless. In adults it is often unrecognised for years.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Diagnosis requires a careful assessment by a qualified professional, such as a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, neuropsychologist or paediatrician, depending on age and country. Treatment may combine psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for organisation and emotional regulation, parent training for children, school adaptations, and medication prescribed and monitored by a doctor when appropriate. Educational psychologists and psychopedagogues support learning.
When to seek urgent help
ADHD itself is not an emergency, but impulsivity can increase risks. Contact your local emergency services after a serious accident or injury, or if someone has thoughts of suicide or harming others. Seek prompt medical advice for any worrying side effects of medication, such as chest pain or palpitations, and do not change medication without talking to the prescribing doctor.
What you can do in the meantime
External structure helps: use calendars, alarms, lists and visible reminders, and break tasks into small steps with short breaks. Regular sleep, physical activity and meals support attention. Reduce distractions in your work or study space. For children, clear routines, specific praise and calm, consistent limits help. Look for reliable information from health organisations rather than social media alone.
What does a occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist helps people take part in the everyday activities that matter to them, from washing and dressing to studying, working, socialising or managing a home. Day to day they assess how a physical, mental health, developmental or cognitive condition affects daily life, then work on skills, routines, adaptations and equipment. They see children, adults and older people, often within multidisciplinary teams.
When to see a occupational therapist
Consider an occupational therapist when daily tasks have become difficult after an illness, injury or stroke, when a mental health condition makes routines and work hard to sustain, when a child has sensory, motor or self-care difficulties, or when an older person needs support to stay independent at home. For emotional therapy itself, a psychologist is usually the main professional.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Estonia cover psychological care?
Insured people can see a psychiatrist free of charge at a Tervisekassa contract partner, and clinical psychologist visits and psychotherapy are covered with a family doctor's or specialist's referral. Availability of contracted clinical psychologists varies by county and waiting lists can be long.
How do I check that a occupational therapist is licensed in Estonia?
Eesti Psühholoogide Liit (Estonian Union of Psychologists), occupational qualification register: The general title psychologist is not protected. Clinical psychologists hold a professional qualification certificate (kliiniline psühholoog, tase 7, with specialisations such as clinical psychologist-psychotherapist or neuropsychologist) recorded in the national occupational qualifications register; check the certificate there.