Campania offers free psychology to vulnerable children
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
The Campania region of Italy will expand free psychological support to children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 who are experiencing social hardship or risk of exclusion.
The regional government, in collaboration with the Order of Psychologists of Campania, is strengthening a program initially established by regional law in 2021. Families can access the service by first consulting their child’s pediatrician or general practitioner, who will then refer them to a participating psychologist.
The program aims to make psychological assistance more accessible, recognizing that financial difficulties should not prevent families from seeking help for their children. An HBSC 2022 study conducted by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (Higher Institute of Health) found that life satisfaction among students in Campania decreases with age, dropping from 83.2% among 11-year-olds to 75.7% among 15-year-olds.
The study also revealed an increase in cyberbullying and a negative impact of the pandemic on mental health, particularly among older adolescents and girls. While the region intends to offer this support, details about the number of sessions available per child, income limits for eligibility, and the timeline for implementation remain unclear. The regional government and the Order of Psychologists will release further information regarding administrative requirements and access procedures.
