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On 15 September 2025, the INPS (National Social Security Institute) portal opened applications for the Psychologist Bonus. Introduced in 2022 as a post-pandemic measure, the Psychologist Bonus is simply a financial contribution to support the costs of psychotherapy with professionals registered with the INPS.[1] In just a few hours, over 70,000 applications were received, demonstrating the urgent social need to make mental health services more accessible in Italy. However, the funds allocated – just €9.5 million – will cover approximately 6,300 beneficiaries. In practice, less than one in ten applicants will receive the contribution.[2] In 2022, when the bonus was first introduced, almost 44% of applications came from young people between the ages of 18 and 35, and about 17% from minors under the age of 18.[3]
Despite these figures, the funds proved insufficient from the very first year. In 2022, only 41,657 applications out of more than 395,000 were accepted.[4] In 2024, out of more than 400,000 applications, only 3,325 people actually got the benefit, which is less than 1%.[5] This year, as already mentioned, the available resources will be enough for less than 10% of applicants.[6]
In Italy, the gap between real need and public funds is now structural. The Bonus has had the merit of recognising a problem that has been underestimated for too long: anxiety, depression and stress are not simply ‘minor ailments’, but signs of real distress that is manifesting itself on a large scale. With such limited resources, however, the Bonus risks becoming a missed opportunity. What is truly needed is a stronger focus on competent therapists, evidence-based treatments (including physical activity), and accessible public mental health services that operate without conflicts of interest.
At European level, however, initiatives are emerging that could, at least in part, bridge this gap in the near future. One example is YOUTHreach, a five-year project funded by the European
Union with the aim of helping, on a larger scale, young people aged 12 to 25 who are facing mental health challenges.
The consortium, which brings together 14 institutions in nine European countries (including IRCCS Fatebenefratelli in Brescia and Ab.Acus Srl in Milan), is evaluating three existing interventions to verify their effectiveness, safety and scalability:
These tools offer early, inclusive and free access, creating structural solutions to intercept distress before it becomes chronic.
A distinctive feature of YOUTHreach is the direct participation of young people in the Youth Advisory Group (YAG), made up of 18 representatives from across Europe.
I myself have been a member since April this year: my name is Alessandra, I am 24 years old, I am studying for a master’s degree in international law in Trento and, as a young graduate in European Studies, I am particularly interested in European policies and firmly believe that it is essential for us young people to play an active role in initiatives such as these. After all, as the project is aimed primarily at young people, who better than us can contribute with concrete suggestions and direct experiences?
The YAG’s task is to ensure that young people’s voices are heard at every stage: from research design to communication with policy makers. We work to break down linguistic and social barriers, raise awareness through podcasts, social media and events, and, in the future, propose guidelines that reflect the real needs of young people.
The Psychologist Bonus has shown how strong the demand for psychological support is in Italy, especially among young people. But if we really want to talk about prevention and inclusion, we need long-term investment, accessible models and spaces for listening. Personally, I admit that I was discouraged from applying for the Bonus, both this year and last year, aware of the low chances of obtaining it, given the huge number of applications. I am sure that many other young people have felt the same frustration and have hesitated to apply for the grant for this reason.
However, projects such as YOUTHreach show that another way is possible: an inclusive, structured and long-term European model that considers mental health not as a luxury for the few, but as a fundamental right.
YOUTHreach is not just a research project: it is also a space for building collective awareness. In the coming months, public initiatives, podcasts and information campaigns curated by young people themselves will be launched. To stay up to date, follow the activities and participate in the debate, you can consult the project’s official channels.
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[1] INPS. Contribution to support expenses related to psychotherapy sessions – Psychologist bonus, https://www.inps.it/it/it/inps-comunica/notizie/dettaglio-news-page.news.2025.09.bonus-psicologo-2025-istruzioni-per-la-presentazione-della-domanda.html.
[2] Sky TG24, ‘Psychologist bonus 2025, application process open: funds almost exhausted in a few hours’, 16 September 2025, https://tg24.sky.it/economia/2025/09/16/bonus-psicologo-2025?card=10
[3] Department for Youth Policies and Universal Civil Service, 180,000 young Italians have applied for the ‘Psychological Bonus’, 17 October 2022, https://www.politichegiovanili.gov.it/comunicazione/news/2022/10/bonuspsicologico/.
[4] State of Mind. “Psychologist Bonus: citizens’ feedback and the shadow of Godot.” State of Mind, 14 September 2023. https://www.stateofmind.it/2023/09/bonus-psicologo-numeri/.
[5] ANSA. ‘Psychologist Bonus, INPS rankings published: 3,325 requests accepted out of over 400,000’. Sky TG24, 10 September 2024. https://tg24.sky.it/economia/2024/09/10/bonus-psicologo-2024-graduatorie-inps.
[6] RaiNews, Psychologist bonus: 300,000 applications in Italy, 60% under 35. EU Commissioner: “Covid has devastated young people, continue with aid”, 10 October 2022, https://www.rainews.it/articoli/2022/10/bonus-psicologo-300mila-richieste-in-italia-60-under-35–f5d1feee-115e-434a-b799-d6a700bc1509.html.
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