Here’s a simple process guide to get you started:

1

contact primary care (vårdcentral)

Your local health clinic is the first place to ask for help.

You can:

• Call the clinic or book an appointment online
• Say clearly: “I need help with my mental health”
• Ask for an interpreter if you don’t speak Swedish
• Ask for a longer appointment if you need more time to talk

You do not need to know exactly what is wrong before contacting them.

2

assessment

At your first appointment, a doctor, nurse, or psychologist will talk with you.

They will:

• Ask about your symptoms (sleep, mood, stress, anxiety, trauma, etc.)
• Ask how your daily life is affected (work, studies, family, sleep)
• Ask about physical health and medications
• Decide what kind of help you need

At the end, they will explain the next step and make a plan with you.

3

common treatments

Most people start with talking therapy.

You may be offered:

cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

• Practical therapy that teaches tools to manage thoughts, anxiety, stress, and depression.

counselling / supportive therapy

• Regular conversations to talk through problems, life changes, or emotional stress.

trauma-focused therapy

• Special support for people who experienced war, violence, or difficult life events.

You might also be offered:

• group therapy
• stress or sleep programs

Treatment plans are personal — you and your healthcare team decide together.

note on treatment culture

In Sweden, doctors usually focus on talking therapies and lifestyle changes first, and use medication only when necessary.

This is different from some countries, like the US, where medication may be prescribed more quickly or more widely.

Swedish care emphasizes:

• structured therapy (CBT, counselling, trauma support)
• lifestyle support (exercise, sleep routines, light therapy)
• medication only when needed, with careful follow-up

This approach aims to reduce unnecessary drug use while still providing effective care.

4

medication

Medication is sometimes used together with therapy, not instead of it.

A doctor may suggest medication if symptoms are moderate or severe, or if therapy alone is not enough.

Common types:

antidepressants

• Help with depression, anxiety, panic, and PTSD. They usually take 2–6 weeks to start working.

anti-anxiety medication

• Used short-term for strong anxiety, panic attacks, or crisis periods.

sleep medication or sleep support

• Used for serious sleep problems. Usually short-term while you build better sleep habits.

Your doctor will:

• explain benefits and side effects
• start with a low dose
• follow up regularly to see how you feel

You always have the right to ask questions or say no.

5

lifestyle support

Healthcare in Sweden often includes daily life changes that support mental health.

You may be advised to:

be physically active

• Even light exercise (walking, swimming, gym classes) can reduce anxiety and depression.

create regular sleep routines

• Going to bed and waking up at the same time helps mood and energy.

use light therapy in winter

• Bright light lamps can help with low mood and lack of sunlight during dark months.

These small habits are considered an important part of treatment, not just extra advice.

Typical mental-health visit costs in Sweden:

• Doctor/GP appointment: SEK 200–300 
• Psychologist/therapist/psychiatric nurse: SEK 200–300 
• Digital/video visit: same cost as physical visit
• Telephone consultation: usually free

high-cost protection (Högkostnadsskydd)

• You pay a maximum of 1,450 SEK per year for healthcare visits
• After reaching this, visits are free for the rest of the 12-month period

children and young people

• Healthcare is free for children and young people (typically under 20)

urgent emergency help

Emergency number: Call 112 immediately if you or someone you know is in danger or at risk of suicide.