About children
Child psychologists adapt therapy to each age, often using play and drawing, and work closely with parents. Common reasons for consultation include anxiety, fears, behaviour, learning difficulties and family changes. For minors, consent from those with parental responsibility is required.
Psychologists assess and treat emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties through psychological therapy. They do not prescribe medication. In many countries clinical practice requires a specific qualification and registration with a licensing body, which Therapy247 checks.
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
Children often show distress through behaviour and the body rather than words. It may be worth consulting a professional when a child has persistent fears or worries, frequent tantrums, sleep or eating changes, regression such as bedwetting again, headaches or stomach aches without a medical cause, withdrawal, school difficulties, or after a difficult event such as a separation, a loss or a move.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Therapy with children usually involves parents closely. Evidence-based approaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy adapted to age, parent training programmes, play-based therapy, family therapy and trauma-focused CBT after difficult experiences. Child and adolescent psychologists, clinical psychologists and family therapists are the main professionals; speech therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists or child psychiatrists may be involved depending on needs.
When to seek urgent help
Contact your local emergency services if a child is in danger, has been harmed, may have swallowed something toxic, or talks about wanting to die or hurt themselves, even at a young age. If you suspect abuse or neglect, seek help from child protection services or emergency services. Sudden changes in consciousness, speech or movement need immediate medical attention.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep predictable routines for sleep, meals and play, and limit screens, especially before bed. Spend some unhurried time each day with your child, following their lead in play. Name emotions together and stay calm when they are upset. Explain changes in simple, honest terms appropriate to their age. Look after your own well-being too, since children are sensitive to adult stress.
What does a psychologist do?
A psychologist spends most of the working day talking with people about what worries them and helping them change it. That includes assessing the difficulty, agreeing goals, and using structured psychological techniques in sessions with adults, teenagers, children, couples or families. Between sessions they prepare materials, write notes, and sometimes coordinate with doctors, schools or other professionals, always with your consent.
When to see a psychologist
It makes sense to see a psychologist when anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship problems, a loss or a difficult change start to affect your sleep, work or relationships, or when you simply want to understand yourself better. If symptoms are very severe, you may need medication, or there are signs of a medical cause, a psychiatrist or your doctor should be involved too.
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 psychologist 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.