In Latvia, socially insured persons can receive state-funded psychological and psychotherapeutic support, as determined by the law.
State-paid psychological help
State-paid psychological help (up to 10 visits) is available for patients with depression, stress-related disorders, neurotic spectrum disorders and eating disorders. This help is also available for children.
If the symptoms are relatively mild, a general practitioner issues a referral for a consultation with a clinical and health psychologist or a psychotherapist. If the symptoms are more serious, a general practitioner issues a referral for a consultation with a psychiatrist.
Psychological help for victims of crime and offenders
Adult persons who are victims of violence (physical, sexual, economic or emotional) are entitled to psychosocial assistance. It may take two forms:
- a social rehabilitation course: up to 30 days in a social rehabilitation institution with accommodation
- individual consultations with a psychologist: up to 10 sessions of 45 minutes
Adult persons who have committed violence are also entitled to psychosocial rehabilitation services to prevent or reduce further risks of violence. It may take two forms:
- group sessions: up to 16 sessions of 2 hours in a group of up to 12 persons
- individual consultations with a psychologist: up to 10 sessions of 45 minutes
note Such services must be provided as close as possible to the person's place of residence.
A child who has suffered from violence is entitled to social rehabilitation. Such services may take different forms:
- consultations at the child’s home or a social rehabilitation institution: up to 20 sessions of 45 minutes
- a social rehabilitation course at a social rehabilitation institution
note As of 1 April 2023, the number of State-paid sessions for children was increased from 10 to 20.
note A social rehabilitation course usually lasts 30 days (60 days for a complex course) but it may be extended.
Psychosocial rehabilitation for patients with oncological disease
Patients with an oncological disease and one of their relatives have the right to psychosocial rehabilitation. It includes art therapy classes, consultations with psychologists/psychotherapists and activities that help improve the emotional state of the patient.
24-hour crisis hotline for emotional and psychological support
116 123 is a single crisis hotline in all EU countries. It works 24/7 and is available free of charge to any adult who needs emotional and psychological support.
116 111 is a crisis hotline for children and adolescents
116 006 is a support hotline for victims of crime.