Providers of help 

The University of Eastern Finland is home to students from many different countries and backgrounds. Events in the world – conflicts, natural disasters, political instability – affect members of our community in different ways. Whatever you are going through, you do not have to cope alone. 

If world events are causing you distress, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating on your studies, support is available. 

YTHS (Finnish Student Health Service) YTHS provides mental health support for all degree students. You can book an appointment or contact YTHS for a care needs assessment via the YTHSDigi–service, YTHSDigi Chat, or by phone. 

• YTHS appointment booking

Support in Joensuu 

• North Karelia Crisis Centre
• Siun sote – mental health and substance abuse services, appointment booking
• Social emergency services
• Mental Health Hub (Mielenterveystalo)

Support in Kuopio 

• Acute psychiatric emergency care, KYS, 24/7. Before visiting the emergency department, call 116 117.  
• Mental health services (Wellbeing services county of North Savo)
• Mental Health Hub (Mielenterveystalo)

Helplines and chats 

• Crisis helpline (Mieli ry) – available 24/7
• Nettiturvis (Finnish Red Cross) – long-term professional support, free of charge

Campus chaplains Campus chaplains are available for confidential conversations regardless of your religious background or beliefs. They offer support in times of crisis, grief, loneliness, or any difficult life situation.

Campus chaplains – contact details and drop-in hours

YTHS (Finnish Student Health Service) Appointment booking and care needs assessment via the YTHSDigi online service, YTHSDigi Chat, or by phone. 

YTHS appointment booking

Joensuu

• Siun sote – mental health and substance abuse services, appointment booking
• Mental Health Hub (Mielenterveystalo)

Kuopio

• Mental health services (Wellbeing services county of North Savo)
• Mental Health Hub (Mielenterveystalo)

Study psychologists More information on the Kamu study psychologist page. 

Nyyti ry A nationwide support centre for higher education students. Nyyti offers free chat conversations, group activities, and self-help resources. 

Nyyti ry

YTHS (Finnish Student Health Service) 

• Appointment booking
• Services
• Student health consultation
• News at YTHS

As a student, you are also entitled to use the health centres in your home municipality or in your study location. Municipal health services are available around the clock. 

• Joensuu health centres (Wellbeing services county of North Karelia/ Siun sote)
• Kuopio health centres (Wellbeing services county of North Savo)
• Kela instructions for student sick leave

Indoor environment issues If you suspect health symptoms caused by indoor air quality, follow the indoor environment problem resolution procedure (login required). Students should always contact YTHS first. 

YTHS contact

• Emergency on-call / national helpline 116 117 (call before visiting emergency services) 
• Substance abuse helpline (EHYT ry): 0800 900 45, 24/7, free and anonymous 
• Kuopio Substance Abuse Services Foundation (Päihdepalvelusäätiö)
• Wellbeing services county of North Karelia (Joensuu, weekdays 8:00–15:30): Mental health and substance abuse services, tel. 013 330 2145 
• Mental health and substance abuse services in Kuopio (Wellbeing services county of North Savo)
• UEF Student Substance Abuse Programme  | UEF substance abuse contact persons 
• Recognise addiction – EHYT ry
• Päihdelinkki (Addiction Link)
• Terveyskylä (Health Village)

• Kela customer service – student financial aid, housing allowance, income support 
• Takuusäätiö (Guarantee Foundation)
• Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority
• Financial and debt counselling
• Debt helpline
• Joensuu social services 
• Kuopio social services
• In an acute financial emergency, parishes may be able to provide financial assistance – find your local parish

Someone to talk to 

• Campus chaplains – contact details and drop-in hours 
• Finnish Red Cross – apply for an online friend (Verkkoystävä)
• Helsinki Mission – you’re not alone

Information and self-help on loneliness and social anxiety 

• Information on social anxiety
• Information on loneliness
• YTHS student guide: Social anxiety as part of life

Targeted support for sexual and gender minorities 

• Sexpo Foundation – helpline and sexual counselling

• Kuopio Family House (Perheentalo)
• Kuopio family support centres
• Joensuu Family House (Perheentalo)
• Joensuu family centres
• Mannerheim League for Child Welfare – Parents’ helpline

In an acute situation, call 112. 

• Shelters in Joensuu
• Shelters in Kuopio (in Finnish)
• Nollalinja helpline
• Support for men who have experienced violence
• Victim Support Finland (Rikosuhripäivystys)

Instructions for dealing with harassment and inappropriate behaviour are available on the dedicated Kamu page. 

UEF anti-harassment contact person Student wellbeing specialist Tiina Juurela, Student and Learning Srvices , tiina.juurela@uef.fi 

ISYY anti-harassment contact persons

Nationwide support 

• Väestöliitto
• Jomoni – anti-racism working group (contact form)

Read more about equality and non-discrimination at UEF on the Kamu equality and non-discrimination page. 

Assessment of learning difficulties If you suspect you may have a learning difficulty, contact the university’s special education teacher, who can guide you to the appropriate services. Special education teacher: [email protected] 

• Individual arrangements at UEF 
• Finnish Association of Different Learners (Erilaisten oppijoiden liitto)

Learning tools and resources 

• Accessibility Library Celia
• Kopparit peertutoring (login required)

Dyslexia and dyscalculia testing  

If you are a degree student, contact YTHS or the university’s special education teacher. If you have access to occupational health care, you can also ask about testing through that service.

Neurodiversity refers to the different ways people perceive, learn, concentrate, communicate and manage everyday life. Support, guidance and peer activities are available for questions related to, for example, the autism spectrum, ADHD, specific language impairment, Tourette’s and OCD. 

Nationwide information, guidance and peer support 

ADHD Finland: Phone and chat guidance, peer support, courses, and information and materials related to ADHD.

Autism Foundation Finland: Coaching, rehabilitation, support for housing and everyday life, and employment support in several locations.

MentalHub.fi: Self-help programmes, psychoeducation and low-threshold online support.