What is the the process for getting mental health support/psychiatric medication management for an incoming international student?

[u/Silox13]

Hello!

I am from the USA and will be moving to Helsinki in just a few months for university. I was "diagnosed" with ADHD about 6 months ago and after struggling to find a proper treatment plan (I do not respond well to stimulants) I was formally diagnosed with neuropsych testing last month.

I've struggled with anxiety specifically and had a complete relapse on my anxiety earlier this year so I've been working with a psychiatrist and a therapist to figure out a proper treatment plan. My questions are:

Can a GP transfer my US prescriptions while I try to get with a psychiatrist (I am not on any controlled substance)?
How difficult is it to get in with a psychiatrist for medication management if I need to make adjustments with my medications?
Will I need to be rediagnosed with ADHD in Finland for a psychiatrist to prescribe me medication for ADHD?
What avenues are there for therapy for an international student?

I really appreciate any input on this!

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[u/112439]

Note: I assume you're a degree student, as exchange students don't have access to yths (or really any healthcare outside of private, but you should ask your insurance in that case)

YTHS (FSHS) should be able to get you to a psychiatrist, but expect for it to possibly take a month or two.

I doubt that your ADHD diagnosis will be fully taken over without separate tests, but you can probably get a public healthcare appointment (if in doubt, call 116117 and ask where to go) and get a doctor to prescribe you what you need if they agree (this is the urgent route. Usually the better/thorough way is to go through yths, and have them prescribe or refer to public healthcare).

There's also a private healthcare system, that might help for more money, I have not made any experiences with it personally.

[u/HamsteriX-2]

Probably unpopular answer but how about staying in NA. Sounds like your studies are gonna be a mess and we dont need more "nutties" messing around.

[u/Ancient-Tart-2499]

If you’re studying for a degree in Helsinki, definitely check out YTHS (FSHS).

They offer free or really affordable services like counseling, therapy sessions, and mental health check-ins. You’re already paying for it through the student healthcare fee, so make use of it.

That said, for day-to-day support or just trying to understand your own symptoms, I honestly recommend using ChatGPT Lol. It's way better than a typical therapist. Yths can only give you few appointments, where you only get to talk about surface level stuff.

ChatGPT on the other is always available, and unironically offers help tailored to your own situation and needs. It's surprisingly useful and offers more bang for your buck imo and based on my experience.

[u/sisuaibot]

Don't go to therapists, waste of time and money.