Looking after your mental health matters at every age. You do not have to wait until a concern affects your whole life before seeking help.
At Elu ja Ilu Keskus, psychiatrist Dr Eneken Allikmäe provides consultations and treatment for adults, children and young people. We offer access to specialist mental health care right here on Saaremaa, close to home.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who assesses, diagnoses and treats mental and behavioural disorders. The aim of the consultation is to understand the reasons behind your symptoms, assess their impact on everyday life and find suitable support and a treatment plan.
Consider seeing a psychiatrist if changes in how you feel, think or behave cause distress or interfere with your studies, work, relationships or everyday activities.
Reasons for seeking help may include:
persistent low mood or a loss of interest and enjoyment;
anxiety, panic attacks, intense fears or constant worrying;
ongoing sleep problems or sleep difficulties that affect daily life;
marked mood swings, unusually increased activity or a reduced need for sleep;
obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours;
difficulties with attention and concentration, restlessness or impulsivity;
mental health difficulties following a traumatic event;
eating difficulties or a suspected eating disorder;
concerns related to substance use or other addictive behaviours;
disturbances in perception, unusual thought patterns or difficulty distinguishing what is real;
a need to review or adjust treatment for a previously diagnosed mental health condition.
You are also welcome if you find it difficult to put your concerns into words or are unsure what kind of help you need. The doctor will help clarify the situation and plan the next steps.
Psychiatrist Dr Eneken Allikmäe also sees children and young people.
Mental health difficulties in children and young people may present differently from those in adults. Changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, appetite, learning and social interaction deserve attention.
A consultation may be helpful if a child or young person experiences:
persistent sadness, irritability or withdrawal;
significant anxiety, fears or difficulties attending school;
problems with attention and concentration, excessive restlessness or impulsivity;
difficulties managing emotions and behaviour;
sleep or eating problems;
a noticeable decline in their ability to cope at home, at school or with peers.
The assessment takes into account the child’s or young person’s age, development, family circumstances and everyday environment. Where needed, a parent or guardian is involved, and additional information is requested about previous assessments and difficulties observed at school or nursery. Listening to the child’s or young person’s own experiences and views is an important part of the process.
When booking, please provide the child’s or young person’s age and the main reason for the appointment so that we can clarify the arrangements.
The first appointment centres on a detailed conversation. The doctor asks about your symptoms, when they began and how long they have lasted, your medical and treatment history, and how you are managing everyday life. The discussion may also cover sleep, mood, relationships, studies, work and other factors affecting your wellbeing.
Questionnaires may be used where appropriate, and additional tests, psychological assessments or consultations with other specialists may be recommended. More than one appointment may be needed to clarify certain conditions.
Based on the assessment, a treatment plan is developed together with you. This may include counselling, advice on supporting daily routines and sleep patterns, psychological support or psychotherapy, and medication where necessary.
If medication is recommended, the doctor will explain its purpose, how to take it, its expected effects and possible side effects. Follow-up appointments are used to assess changes in your wellbeing and the suitability of treatment, and to adjust the treatment plan where needed.
Dr Eneken Allikmäe also carries out mental health assessments required for issuing a psychiatric certificate.
During the assessment, the doctor reviews the purpose of the certificate, speaks with the patient and considers relevant medical information. Additional documents or further assessments may be required.
When booking, please clearly state that you need an assessment for a certificate and specify its purpose and the organisation requesting it. This allows us to clarify in advance whether the requested certificate can be issued at our centre and which documents you should bring.
The doctor decides whether to issue the certificate based on the assessment findings and the requirements associated with its purpose. Attending an appointment does not guarantee that a certificate will be issued. In some cases, further assessment may be needed before a decision can be made.
Think about which concerns trouble you most, when they began and how they affect your everyday life. You may wish to write down your observations and questions.
Bring an identity document.
If possible, bring relevant previous test results and treatment summaries if they are not available in the Estonian Health Information System.
If we send questionnaires before your appointment, please complete them as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
Your concerns deserve attention. Timely support can help you better understand how you feel and find ways to improve your ability to cope.
Book an appointment / Psychiatrist consultation