by InTrieste
In response to rising demand for mental health support among students, the regional government of Friuli Venezia Giulia has significantly increased funding for its psychologist bonus program, allocating €1.5 million in its 2024 Stability Law. The program, launched two years ago, has become a critical tool for addressing student mental health issues, as well as providing support for academic and career orientation.
“Students are the future of our community, and it is our responsibility to support them through their growth and transition into adult life,” said Alessia Rosolen, the regional councillor for education, during a recent presentation to families and school administrators. “The role of the psychologist is essential, not only in preventing distress but also in helping with orientation and learning difficulties.”
The expansion comes amid a surge in demand for mental health services from students and their families. According to regional data, the number of accredited psychologists has grown steadily from 400 in 2022 to 513 this year. The number of reception centers for counseling services has also increased, from 445 locations in 2022 to 573 in 2024.
The psychologist bonus program offers students a €225 subsidy for five individual counseling sessions with accredited psychologists. The bonus is available to students residing in Friuli Venezia Giulia who attend state or private lower and upper secondary schools, vocational education programs, or institutions that offer final exams for first-cycle degrees.
Growing Demand Across Age Groups
The program has seen an increasing number of applications since its inception. In 2022, families submitted 1,319 requests for the bonus, which resulted in 1,119 grants. By 2023, those numbers had nearly doubled, with 2,739 applications and 2,413 bonuses awarded. So far in 2024, the program has received 960 applications, with 782 bonuses issued to date. The total number of bonuses granted over the three-year period has reached 4,314.
While the majority of requests have come from students in upper secondary schools, demand from younger students has been growing. In 2022, 71% of applications were from families with students in high schools, while 29% were from families with students in lower secondary schools. By 2024, the share of applications from lower secondary schools had risen to 35%.
“Student mental health needs are evolving, and we are seeing an increasing demand from younger students,” said Rosolen. “We are committed to ensuring that these services are available and accessible to all.”
Diverse Needs and Gender Disparities
The psychologist bonus program has also highlighted significant disparities in mental health needs across different types of schools and between genders. In 2022, 66% of the requests came from students in academic high schools, while 26% came from technical schools and 8% from vocational institutes. This distribution has shifted slightly over the years, with technical school students representing a growing share of applicants.
Gender disparities also persist, with female students making up the majority of applicants. In 2022, 61% of the requests came from girls, a proportion that has remained stable over time. In 2024, girls still represent 60% of applicants, while boys make up the remaining 40%.
A Sustainable Future for Student Mental Health
As mental health concerns continue to rise among students, the Friuli Venezia Giulia government has pledged to sustain the psychologist bonus program, with further funding increases planned through 2026. In addition to the €500,000 allocated for 2024, a total of €1.5 million is expected to be invested in the program over the next three years.
“We will continue to invest in this essential service, both in terms of financial resources and expanding access points for students across the region,” said Rosolen. “The positive impact this program has had on our students speaks for itself.”
The initiative underscores a broader trend across Italy, where mental health services in schools have gained increased attention in recent years. As more students seek support, regions like Friuli Venezia Giulia are leading the charge in providing accessible mental health care at a critical time in young people’s lives.
Applications for the 2024 psychologist bonus are open until November 14 and can be submitted online through the Regional Agency for the Right to Study (ARDiS FVG).
