Welcome to the Depression School
Depression School is group therapy for depression. Scientifically studied, Depression School is based on methods of cognitive behavioural therapy and has been shown to be effective in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Depression School is provided both as in-person groups at FSHS service units and as remote groups online.
- What you will do in Depression School
- How Depression School works in practice
- Who can attend depression school
- Student feedback about Depression School
- Starting Depression schools in English during the autumn semester 2025
What you will do in Depression School
During this group therapy, you’ll learn self-care methods for the treatment and prevention of depression and meet other students facing the same situation as you. You’ll be shown how to put together your own depression control “toolbox” by way of daily skills training and mood tracking. This process will be supported by the Depression School’s own workbook.
At the end of Depression School, the group will summarise all the important ideas that arose in the meetings to build a plan for the future. This plan supports you in managing your depression once the group therapy is complete.
Video introduction to Depression School
In this video, public health nurse Elisa Kananen explains how the Depression School works.
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How Depression School works in practice
- Each group meeting has a theme such as interpersonal relationships, problem solving skills, self-compassion or dealing with difficult thoughts. The theme will be approached through both theoretical knowledge and workbook exercises.
- Each Depression School group will be composed of 6 to 10 students and two trained leaders.
- There will be 8 to 10 meetings, usually held at one-week intervals.
- Check with your group leader for your group’s meeting times, as some groups may not meet every week. Also note that some groups with start dates toward the end of the autumn term may continue into the spring term.
- If you’re going to miss a meeting, please let your group leader know well in advance.
- We recommend that you notify us of your interest in joining a group at least 2 weeks before the group’s first meeting. If you contact us later than this, we can’t guarantee that the group leader will have time to contact you before the first meeting. For detailed instructions on how to enrol, see the information for each group at the bottom of the page.
Who can attend Depression School
Depression School focuses on today and tomorrow – not on dealing with the past. The groups are intended for treating mild to moderate depression, but no depression diagnosis is required for participation. Long-term symptoms of depression also don’t prevent participation. However, any acute crisis or substance abuse problem must be dealt with before starting Depression School.
Student feedback about Depression School
After each Depression School group, group leaders collect feedback from participants. Here is some feedback from students about their group therapy:
Depression School gave me confidence that I can improve my mental health myself.
Depression School provided me with a routine for dealing with my problems.
The group had an accepting atmosphere, which made sharing things feel easy.
It was valuable to have the opportunity to deal with difficult issues without stress.
How to enrol
If you already have a treatment contact at the FSHS, ask about Depression School during your appointment. You can also contact the treatment needs assessment team by phone or via SelfChat.
Starting Depression schools in English during the autumn semester 2025
A national remote group in English starts on Monday 13 Oct 2025 from 9am to 11 am. You can get more detailed schedules from the group leader.
How to apply? If you already have a treatment contact at the FSHS, ask about Depression School during your appointment. You can also contact the treatment needs assessment team.
The group is organized by FSHS South