Portuguese youth request over 42,000 free psychology and nutrition consultations

More than 42,000 young people in Portugal have requested free psychology and nutrition consultations through a government program since July.

The Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ) manages the initiative, which provides vouchers for individuals between the ages of 12 and 35. The IPDJ issued 90,019 vouchers to date, including 52,337 for psychology and 37,682 for nutrition. These figures cover 42,040 requests from young people.

About 14,000 of these vouchers are for ongoing follow-up care after patients complete their first two mandatory consultations. Technical issues with the program's platform have hindered the recording of actual appointments. While the institute recorded 8,116 consultations, this number does not reflect the total number of sessions held because some professionals could not register their work or receive vouchers due to automation delays. The IPDJ stated that professionals cannot register new consultations until November 29 because of a technological update.

The institute said this technical period will not stop young people from receiving care or submitting new requests. Professionals can resume registration on the platform starting November 30.