"This is an important step.

Mental illness among children and young people is increasing and we must stop this development. We need to have well-functioning service chains and earlier support for those who need it," says Wickström.The aim of the therapy guarantee is to improve the access of children and young people to preventive care and treatment of mental health problems in primary health care and to children and young people's access to mental health support in basic-level social welfare services. Additional funding of EUR 35 million per year will be allocated to the implementation of the therapy guarantee.  The acts are scheduled to enter into force on 1 May 2025.Care and support within the framework of the therapy guarantee for children and young people would be offered in both social welfare and health care, and it would apply to children and adults under the age of 23. The guarantee would cover short-term psychotherapy in primary health care and psychosocial methods that are used for a shorter period of time than actual psychotherapy and that are intended for the treatment of milder symptoms and for preventive support."This is a good start, and in the long run we will have to work to raise the age even further, but with today's resources, it is good if we can guarantee support for everyone up to the age of 23. Personally, I hope that other forms of support for children and young people, such as the need for mental health nurses in schools, will also be investigated," Wickström says.