Feb 10 • 12:15 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia Postimees

CONCERN: Half of Schools Lack a Psychologist

Estonian officials emphasize the need to expand the presence of mental health specialists in schools to better address children's mental health issues.

In a recent meeting, Social Minister Karmen Joller and Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas discussed the pressing issue of children's mental health in Estonia. They highlighted that a significant number of schools lack access to trained psychologists, making it challenging to prevent and address the growing mental health problems among students. This shortage of mental health professionals in educational institutions has raised alarms about the overall wellbeing of children and young people across the nation.

The ministers stressed that enhancing the mental health support within schools is critical for both preventive measures and providing necessary assistance to children in need. They proposed an expansion of the team of mental health specialists available to schools, emphasizing that trained professionals can play a crucial role in identifying mental health issues early and providing appropriate interventions. Integrating mental health education into the school curriculum is also a part of their broader strategy to improve overall educational and social outcomes for students.

As discussions continue regarding the integration of health and social systems in Estonia, the call for more mental health resources in schools aligns with a larger push towards improving children's health services, especially for those facing chronic conditions. The commitment from the government to address these issues signals a recognition of the importance of mental health as part of the educational framework and its long-term implications for the future of the youth in Estonia.

📡 Similar Coverage