About insomnia
Chronic insomnia means difficulty falling or staying asleep several nights a week for months. Cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended first treatment and works on habits, schedules and the thoughts that keep sleeplessness going.
Psychotherapists are professionals trained in one or more models of psychotherapy (psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural…). The protected title and requirements vary by country; profiles show each professional’s training and registration.
Getting mental health care in Finland
Public health system · Public health services of the wellbeing services counties, with Kela reimbursement
Public mental health care is organised by the wellbeing services counties and is usually accessed through primary health care. Kela, the Social Insurance Institution, separately reimburses rehabilitative psychotherapy for people aged 16 to 67 whose ability to work or study is threatened by a mental disorder. An application needs a psychiatrist's statement that is no more than one year old. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Finnish Supervisory Agency (Lupa- ja valvontavirasto), which replaced Valvira on 1 January 2026. Psychologist is a licensed health profession and psychotherapist is a separately protected occupational title. Check that the person is listed in the public JulkiTerhikki register of health care professionals. Search the official register
Insurance and coverage
Kela pays up to 57.60 EUR per individual rehabilitative psychotherapy session. Cover is for up to 80 sessions a year and 200 sessions in total, over a maximum of 3 years, and Kela decides one year at a time.
Urgent help in Finland
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 09 2525 0111 · MIELI Kriisipuhelin
- 09 2525 0112 · MIELI Kristelefon
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: kela.fi, valtioneuvosto.fi
Signs to look out for
Everyone sleeps badly sometimes, especially during stress. Insomnia may need attention when you regularly struggle to fall asleep, wake up often or very early and cannot get back to sleep, or wake unrefreshed, for several weeks, and it affects your mood, concentration, energy or safety during the day. Worrying about sleep itself often becomes part of the problem.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended as a first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. It includes sleep scheduling, stimulus control, work on unhelpful beliefs about sleep and relaxation techniques. Psychologists and clinical psychologists trained in CBT-I usually provide it, individually, in groups or through guided digital programmes. A doctor should rule out physical causes and other sleep disorders.
When to seek urgent help
Seek prompt medical attention if you stop breathing or gasp during sleep, fall asleep while driving or in dangerous situations, or go several nights with almost no sleep alongside unusual energy, racing thoughts or confusion. If lack of sleep comes with hopelessness or thoughts of harming yourself, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.
What you can do in the meantime
Keep a regular wake-up time every day, including weekends, and only go to bed when you feel sleepy. If you cannot sleep after a while, get up and do something calm in dim light until you feel drowsy. Limit caffeine after midday, alcohol and heavy meals at night. Reduce screens before bed and get daylight and movement during the day.
What does a psychotherapist do?
A psychotherapist helps people understand and change emotional, relational and behavioural patterns through a structured therapeutic relationship. Their work is shaped by one or more models, such as cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic or integrative therapy. They meet individuals, couples, families or groups, usually in regular sessions, and spend time outside sessions on notes, preparation and their own supervision.
When to see a psychotherapist
Psychotherapy suits people who want to work in depth on recurring difficulties: anxiety, low mood, relationship patterns, self-esteem, the effects of past experiences or major life transitions. It can also help when you feel stuck without a clear diagnosis. If you need a formal diagnosis, a specific psychological assessment or medication, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist may need to be involved.
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 Finland cover psychological care?
Public mental health care is organised by the wellbeing services counties and is usually accessed through primary health care. Kela, the Social Insurance Institution, separately reimburses rehabilitative psychotherapy for people aged 16 to 67 whose ability to work or study is threatened by a mental disorder. An application needs a psychiatrist's statement that is no more than one year old.
How do I check that a psychotherapist is licensed in Finland?
Finnish Supervisory Agency (Lupa- ja valvontavirasto), which replaced Valvira on 1 January 2026: Psychologist is a licensed health profession and psychotherapist is a separately protected occupational title. Check that the person is listed in the public JulkiTerhikki register of health care professionals.