The current system around which child and youth mental health services are organised is "confusing" and "undermines the effectiveness" of care, according to the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
Children and young people should be able to receive treatment for mental disorders as part of primary care and have equal access to treatment regardless of where they live, the agency said in a press release calling for reform in the sector.
"Effective mental health work contributes towards the realisation of children's rights," THL senior physician Eeva Huikko said.
In its proposal, THL suggested that mental health services be made available in all schools and health centres, and the upper age limit be adjusted to 24, across the country.
"For children and young people, confidentiality and swift access to support on a local level are vital. Most of them would like to receive treatment for their mental health problems at school. At the moment, however, legislation does not support the provision of treatment for primary school-age children at school," said Terhi Aalto-Setälä, THL senior physician.
Huikko added that professionals in relevant fields could also benefit from more mental health-focused training.
"Currently, undergraduate degrees for those working with children and young people do not involve enough content on child and adolescent mental health," she said.
THL's proposal is based on a recent study carried out by the institute, which examined the factors that promote and hinder the effectiveness of mental health work for children and young people.
The study and proposal are part of its national strategy for children.
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