Enrollment in psychology courses has increased in recent years at Finnish universities – but although more psychologists graduate in Finland than retire, professionals do not end up where they are most needed.
Inconsistencies between municipal health services and the needs of professionals burden the public sector, especially in the outermost regions.
The City of Oulu has tried to address the shortcoming by introducing new psychology degree programs.
"The new psychology degree program, which begins in September, will be of great importance to the entire northern region. There is a constant shortage of psychologists here," Kati Mäkitalo, The dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Oulu said.
In addition to the University of Oulu, students can study for a master’s degree in psychology at the universities of Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Turku, Tampere and Joensuu.
A total of 345 students will begin their studies at six universities this fall, 73 more than in 2020.
However, increasing student choices may not reduce the shortage. Finland has one of the highest psychology professionals in the world in terms of population density, and there are already too many graduates in psychology. Jari Lipsanen, Vice – President of the Finnish Psychological Association.
"There are many psychologists, and the number is more than adequate. On the other hand, the sector is so diverse that we believe that everyone will eventually find a job," Lipsanen said.
A wide range, remote locations and low wages deter professionals from the public sector
Inadequate mental health support in schools is currently the biggest problem area, according to Lipsanen.
"The main reason for the lack of school psychologists is the scope of the task. Schools meet first [psychological] and one psychologist can be assigned to several schools at the same time," he said.
Kymenlaakso and Central Ostrobothnia currently have the worst shortcomings.
According to Lipsanen, the remote location of job advertisements, low support and monitoring, and poor pay affect the number of job applications received by public mental health centers.
"The Psychological Association is struggling with pay issues. Due to the female-dominated nature of this sector, wage developments may not have been as rapid as in other sectors," he said.
Better training opportunities possible solution
The Psychological Association is working with Psykonet, the umbrella body for university psychology training departments, to address the problem.
A joint report released in May revealed that more flexibility across the board and better pay are driving job applications away from the private sector.
The study also found that briefings could attract more new applicants to less popular locations and work experience opportunities could be used to attract trainees to stay after graduation.
Psychology studies include a mandatory five-month internship. However, there is a huge shortage of internships nationwide because hospital districts do not receive sufficient funding from the government.
According to Åbo Akademi University, professor of psychology Petra Grönholm-Nyman better supported internships can guide students to different fields and different places.
"The lack of psychologists is a local problem, and degree programs cannot influence students ’job choices. Working conditions and pay are therefore very important," he said.
Mika Hintsanen, Professor of Psychology at the University of Oulu, added that more effective cooperation between small municipalities could be another way to solve the regional shortage of psychologists.
"Providing an internship place for a student in a small place could entice psychologists to stay. But older professionals also need job coaching because the challenges are often complex and the work can be mentally demanding," Hintsanen explained.
Finally, in recent years, training programs have invested in technological solutions in the field. Remote receptions are becoming more common and may provide another solution to the shortage of mental health staff in remote areas, the professor added.