Building short-term therapy competence in public mental healthcare

Approximately 140 million Europeans face mental health challenges, yet one in three does not receive necessary care. In Finland, access to mental health services has proven difficult. Short-term therapy offers a cost-effective solution between conversational support and long-term psychotherapy. To address competence gaps and provide timely care, a pilot training for public mental healthcare professionals in Northern Finland was launched. The 30 ECTS pilot program focused on improving skills for working with mental health clients. Participants learned to identify and assess adult mental health disorders, reviewed legislation and ethics, and became acquainted with short-term therapy methods. In 2025, the module included six courses: mental health disorders, service system, trauma perspective, emotion-focused couples therapy, parent-child interaction, and practical training in client work, group therapy, and supervision. The abstract discusses how the program enhanced expertise in short-term therapy for public healthcare workers. Eighty-five of one hundred participants completed the program, exceeding the 2,400 ECTS credit target. Feedback was highly positive: module ratings ranged from 4.1 to 4.8 out of 5, and trainer expertise averaged 4.9. Method-focused modules and small-group supervision improved participants’ confidence and practical skills. Ninety-three percent reported strengthened professional competence, and all adopted new methods. The main challenge was the tight schedule, but most managed studies alongside other duties (mean rating 4.2). The pilot achieved its objectives very successfully. Training content was designed collaboratively with regional stakeholders, supporting both learning and professional development. Method modules and small-group supervision enhanced skills and confidence. Acquired short-term therapy methods increased clients’ access to timely therapy.

Key messages

• Training content was designed collaboratively with regional stakeholders, supporting both participants’ learning and professional development.

• Method-focused modules and small-group supervision improved participants’ confidence and practical skills. 93 percent reported strengthened professional competence, and all adopted new methods.