It seems that the causes are unclear. What is it? What is happening to the extent that 4 out of 10 young people think they have had a mental illness, according to the Childhood and Adolescence Opinion Barometer? Where are we failing? Is it social pressure? Are we all creating a generation of individuals who are doomed to depression, personality disorders, stress or anxiety crises?

It is evident that mental illnesses are becoming increasingly common among young people and adolescents. This was the main reason for one of the new improvements to DKV's cover for 2025: the increase in the number of psychology consultations from 20 to 40 for individuals up to 24 years of age in order to address the growing mental health problems at this age.

The maximum annual limit of psychotherapy sessions is extended to 40 in the following cases:

• Insured persons up to 24 years old.

• Eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia).

• Situations of school bullying.

• Situations of gender or family-based violence.

• Situations of cyberbullying or work-related stress.

How many psychotherapy sessions can you access for other reasons?

Although the above cases are extendable to 40 sessions, DKV continues to cover clinical psychology with 20 psychotherapy sessions a year, with the required authorisation and outpatient treatment, prior prescription by a psychiatrist, oncologist or paediatrician (in the case of children under 14).

Active listening with our customers, essential to improving this cover

The consideration of increasing the number of consultations for children and adolescents came through a request from a customer who works as a psychologist, explaining her concern about childhood mental health and giving DKV a series of suggestions to improve emotional healthcare during this stage of life. Following this request, a face-to-face meeting was held to listen to her concerns and proposals, where ideas were exchanged and eventually led to an improvement in the cover. It is a very clear example of how active listening with you helps better meet your needs in terms of our cover and, therefore, take care of your mental health.