To support independent living among mental health rehabilitants, the City of Helsinki has introduced remote appointments alongside traditional face-to-face visits. Since its launch in summer 2023, the service has received inspiring feedback and promising results.
These remote appointments, essentially video-based home visits, offer support to working-age rehabilitants living at home. In some cases, guidance is also provided by phone, text message or email. Traditional home visits remain available when needed.
Noora, 25, has been receiving mental health rehabilitation services for a year. Living with mental and neuropsychiatric disorders, she found life particularly difficult before the service began – and the past year has still been far from easy. But things are gradually getting better.
“I’ve never been good at taking care of myself or my surroundings,” Noora says. “Before I became a supported housing client, my life had fallen apart. My mood was at rock bottom. The only thing that felt meaningful was my cats – they were the reason I got out of bed.”
Before the remote service could even begin, Noora’s apartment needed to be thoroughly cleaned. The flat was in poor condition, with health hazards and a serious fly problem. Even taking out the rubbish felt like an impossible task.
In summer 2024, Social Instructor Sara from the City of Helsinki Housing Support Unit was assigned to support Noora. Since then, the two have met via video roughly once a week. These remote sessions have turned out to be even more effective for Noora than face-to-face visits. The regular contact has helped her rebuild her life at home, with her beloved cats.
“I feel much more at ease at home than anywhere else,” Noora explains. “Having my own space while also knowing someone is there to support me – that’s been the perfect combination.”
With Sara’s guidance, Noora has gradually tackled tasks she used to avoid. “I’ve cleaned up, sorted out financial issues, and learned to manage everyday things. I’m not saying everything is fine now, but it’s definitely much better. I never want to go back to how things were a year ago.”
A key factor in Noora’s progress has been feeling genuinely seen and heard.
“This has been one of the first times I’ve felt treated like a person – not belittled or pitied. The fact that our work has happened through a screen hasn’t made the connection any less real – quite the opposite, actually.”
Noora encourages others who are hesitant to give remote services a try.
“You just have to be brave enough to test it. The technology has been easy, and I’ve never felt pressured to keep the camera on if I’ve had a rough day. But honesty is key – remote services won’t help if you’re not honest with yourself.”
Currently, Noora is unemployed and not required to seek work, but she has her sights set on rehabilitation or supported work activities. Her dream? To become a nail technician.
“Life has improved enough that I’ve had the energy to style my nails. That’s how I realised: this is what I want to do.”
For Social Instructor Sara Mahlamäki, providing remote services meant stepping into new territory – but it has now become second nature.
“I no longer really differentiate between remote and in-person work. At first, I was unsure, but now it all feels natural. In my experience, real connection can be achieved just as well via video as in person,” Sara says.
Still, she notes that some clients – or their support networks – are sceptical.
“Relatives may worry that remote services aren’t effective and push for traditional home visits. But remote sessions can be highly motivating – for example, when it comes to cleaning or managing daily tasks. They’re a valuable addition, even though home visits absolutely still have their place.”
Sara emphasises that remote services are only offered when the client is willing and a professional assesses them as suitable. The first meeting is always held in person, at the client’s home, to allow for face-to-face contact and an initial assessment of the living environment. Clients receive guidance on using the service and data security, and a computer is provided if needed.
Remote services have proven especially helpful for clients whose mental health is stable and who are capable of handling day-to-day matters. However, every client is different – and the only way to know if remote support will work is to give it a try. The most important ingredients for success are openness and a positive attitude from both the client and the professional.
Feedback from other clients and professionals has echoed Noora’s experience: initial doubts often give way to appreciation. Many clients have said that remote meetings are easier and less stressful than in-person ones – and that they’ve fostered even deeper connections with professionals.
Clients have also reported that remote meetings make it easier to schedule support and that they feel more empowered as they take a more active role in managing their own affairs.
“At first, I was afraid I couldn’t handle things on my own,” one client shared. “But the remote meetings made me take the lead – and I realised I could.”
“They’ve helped me talk things through and given me a reason to get up and move. It makes a real difference when you can meet more often than with in-person visits – especially if you’re feeling isolated,” said another.
Noora’s name has been changed to protect her privacy.
Text: Jaana Suokas and Sari Sillman
Helsinki’s remote services for mental health rehabilitants were developed as part of the Sustainable Growth project, which promotes wellbeing and prevents social exclusion. The project is part of the EU-funded Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland, coordinated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and implemented across Finland’s wellbeing services counties and in Helsinki.
