Crisis and Health services
Discussion support and guidance in cases of sudden health issues, in cases of rape and mental health issues. In case of an emergency, call 112. You are entitled to use public health services in Finland if you have a municipality of residence (kotikunta) in Finland. You can also use private health services.
Contact the social and crisis emergency service when you need urgent and essential help, for example, related to child protection, violence, housing, mental health, or substance abuse. The social and crisis emergency service is available 24/7. The services are free of charge. Assistance can be sought by the individual themselves, a relative, a friend, or an authority. The wellbeing regions are responsible for organizing these services. You can find the contact details for the social and crisis emergency service in your municipality on the Suomi.fi website.
Finland has affordable public health services for everyone who lives permanently in the country. In addition, employers offer occupational health services for their employees.
If you do not have a municipality of residence in Finland or are not covered by Finnish health insurance, you may have the right to health care or reimbursements from Kela on other grounds. You must apply for this right separately.
Ask for more information at Kela’s international situations unit.
The Seri support centre is a support unit for those who have experienced sexual violence for everyone over the age of 16, regardless of gender. The support centre is a low-threshold unit. You can go to the support centre by yourself, with your friends and relatives, or under the guidance of an authority.
If you have been sexually abused, e.g. raped, it is important to contact the Seri support centre as soon as possible after the incident.
Reporting a crime is not a condition for applying to the support centre, although reporting is encouraged.
The Seri support centre provides forensic investigation, trauma support, psychological counselling, and therapy for victims of sexual violence. A multi-professional team works in the Seri support centre: doctors, on-call doctors, midwives, psychologists and social workers.
A list and links to Seri support centres can be found on the THL webpage (in Finnish):
THL Seri Support Centres
MIELI Mental Health Finland offers mental health support to people in difficult life situations and crises. You can discuss your thoughts, feelings, and situation with a crisis worker or trained volunteer.
The call cost is the basic fee of the telephone subscription, but the counselling is cost-free and anonymous if needed.
MIELI ry Crisis helpline:
09 2525 0116
Fridays 9 - 13
The helpline in Finnish is open 24/7 at number 09 2525 0111
In a life-threatening emergency, e.g. severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, symptoms of paralysis or sudden convulsions, call 112.
Medical Helpline (Päivystysapu) 116117 is a free-of-charge counselling service organized by your welfare district that advises on sudden health problems. Call Medical Helpline 116117 before applying to the emergency room.
The Medical Helpline healthcare professionals will tell you whether your situation requires a visit to the emergency room. You can get reliable self-care instructions if self-care is enough for your situation. The service is available throughout Finland, except for Lapland and Åland.
Medical Helpline (toll free)
116117
Available 24/7