by InTrieste
In a bid to prioritize mental health in schools, the regional government of Friuli Venezia Giulia has announced the continuation of its Bonus Psicologo Studenti FVG initiative, aimed at providing psychological support to students across the region. Alessia Rosolen, the Regional Councillor for Education, made the announcement this week, underscoring the program’s critical role in ensuring students’ well-being as they navigate academic and social pressures.
“Classrooms are where the future takes shape,” Rosolen said in a public statement on September 21. “With the FVG Student Psychological Bonus, we want to intervene early to ensure our students’ mental health is supported, so they can fully realize their potential.”
The initiative, now in its third year, offers financial assistance to cover up to five individual psychological counseling sessions for secondary school students. The program is available to both public and private school students as well as those enrolled in vocational training programs. With 1.5 million euros allocated for the 2024-2026 period, the regional government aims to make mental health care more accessible to families in need.
Curbing School Dropouts
Rosolen highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader effort to combat school dropout rates, which are already lower in Friuli Venezia Giulia than the national average. “Ensuring students’ psycho-physical well-being is just as important as providing access to high-quality education,” she said, adding that supporting students’ mental health is vital for their success, both academically and personally.
The program covers 90% of the cost for a full cycle of five counseling sessions, with families only required to pay a nominal fee of 25 euros at the end of the cycle. Students can choose from 513 psychologists accredited by the region’s Psychologists’ Association, and 573 locations have been made available across 68 municipalities.
Applying for Help
Families can apply for the bonus through the website of the Regional Agency for the Right to Education (Ardis) until November 14. The application process requires an initial free informational session with a psychologist. Once approved, families can schedule five sessions with one of the accredited professionals, with the option to apply for the bonus again in subsequent years.
In an effort to ensure widespread awareness of the program, two webinars have been scheduled—on September 23 and 24—to provide detailed guidance on how to access the bonus. Both students’ families and school administrators are encouraged to attend.
The program has been praised by educators and mental health professionals alike. Daniela Beltrame, head of the Regional School Office, emphasized the importance of offering psychological support during adolescence, a time of significant personal and social change. “Misunderstandings and emotional struggles that go unnoticed can lead to deeper issues, such as social isolation and disengagement from school,” Beltrame said. “The bonus helps students regain a sense of autonomy and responsibility, crucial for their growth.”
A Broader Call for Mental Health Support
The Friuli Venezia Giulia Psychologists’ Association, led by Roberto Calvi, also endorsed the initiative, calling it a vital resource for both students and their families. “The approval of this measure confirms it as a structural fund,” Calvi said. “Addressing psychological needs should be part of a broader plan for the mental well-being of citizens, one that spans across schools, healthcare, and social services.”
As mental health continues to emerge as a critical issue in educational settings globally, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s Bonus Psicologo Studenti initiative could offer a model for other regions looking to address the psychological challenges faced by students in an increasingly complex world.
For more information, families can visit www.ardis.fvg.it or contact the Regional Agency for the Right to Education by email at bonuspsicologostudentifvg@ardis.fvg.it or phone at 0432/245770.
