Psychosocial health

Psychosocial stress often goes undetected. Many children and young people have to cope with a mental health problem such as ADHD, ADD, an anxiety, behavioural or eating disorder.

Although therapy can be beneficial in many cases, children and young people may not have access to this type of support – whether due to missing a diagnosis, high costs or fear of stigma. At the same time, many children and young people are confronted with special challenges in their young lives that can be very emotionally stressful. A chronic illness, disability, social inequality or restrictions caused by the pandemic – all of these and many other factors can have a major impact on psychosocial health.

Help for children and young people in crisis

To ensure that children and young people affected by the COVID-19 crisis receive appropriate psychological support, the initiative Gesund aus der Krise provides access to a new hotline. This hotline is available to children and young people up to the age of 22. By calling, you will be connected to a counselling centre, which will help you search for a therapy place as well as with the reimbursement of costs. You can find more information under the following link:

In addition to the COVID-19 crisis, children and young people are also confronted with other global and social challenges. The climate crisis, economic difficulties, refugee situations, wars and more are highly visible in the media – and therefore also present in the minds of young people.

Information and hotlines for children and young people

Information and support for parents and caregivers

Children and young people often need support to overcome crises and conflicts. The following two websites offer support as well as a wealth of information and materials for parents and anyone who lives or works with children or young people:

Help is also available for parents and other caregivers who need psychological advice, information or an opportunity to share their experiences with others. Sometimes you just don't know how to deal with certain situations: How do I answer questions about the war? How do I recognise that my child has an eating disorder? 

If you have questions about crises, coping with everyday life or for offers of help, click on the following link:

By calling the hotline 0800 211 320, parents and guardians who are worried and in need of free advice and help can also get free psychological counselling from a school psychology service. 

To get further psychological help, information on outpatient clinics and other facilities, specialists and psychotherapists can be found under the following links:

Self-help groups

In self-help groups, those affected and their relatives have the opportunity to share ideas and support each other. By talking with others who are in similar situations, you can learn better ways to cope with the challenges and obstacles of your child’s illness. Participating in joint activities or discussions not only benefits you, but also supports others.

At the federal level, the Bundesverband für Selbsthilfe Österreich (BVSHOE) is dedicated to promoting self-help throughout Austria:
 

You can find self-help groups in your federal province at the Österreichische Kompetenz- und Servicestelle für Selbsthilfe (ÖKUSS)

Last update: September 10, 2025