France Declares Mental Health a National Priority for 2025

Mental health is no longer a silent topic in France. In 2025, it has officially been declared a Great National Cause by the French government, reflecting a growing national commitment to addressing psychological well-being—especially among students. This decision places student mental health at the center of public attention and strengthens a series of initiatives aimed at providing support, raising awareness, and encouraging open conversations.

A National Effort to Support young people

The Ministry of Higher Education has reaffirmed its dedication to students' psychological health through various support mechanisms. Two major initiatives now available are:

• Santé Psy Étudiants: Since 2021, this system offers students access to 12 free 45-minute sessions with a psychologist from a national network of 1,700 professionals. No upfront payment is required, and the sessions may be renewed.

• Mon soutien psy: Open to all French residents, this initiative provides up to 12 reimbursed psychological consultations per year. These include one initial assessment and up to eleven follow-up sessions. With more than 5,000 partner psychologists across France, the service is accessible and easy to combine with Santé Psy Étudiants—meaning students can potentially benefit from 24 free support sessions annually.

Investing in Research and Innovation

Beyond immediate support, France is also investing heavily in long-term mental health research. One example is PROPSY, an ambitious research programme launched in 2022 as part of the France 2030 strategy. With €80 million in funding over seven years, PROPSY focuses on major psychiatric disorders such as bipolarity, persistent depression, autism, and schizophrenia.

The programme, led by Inserm and CNRS with support from the FondaMental foundation, aims to revolutionize diagnostics and treatment by developing precision psychiatry. It also seeks to make mental health careers more attractive, training a new generation of researchers and professionals.

Podcasts to Spark Dialogue

To further engage young people, the Ministry of Higher Education recently launched a podcast series through Santé Psy Étudiant. The show, Kaavan, features intimate, biweekly conversations with celebrities, mental health professionals, and anonymous guests. Topics range from personal mental health journeys to advice and inspiration for students facing difficulties.

Guests like decathlon world champion Kevin Mayer, singer Eddy de Pretto, rapper Gringe, and journalist Salomé Saqué have already shared their stories—helping to normalize mental health challenges and reduce the stigma around seeking help.

What This Means for Feelin’ @Live

The designation of mental health as a Great National Cause in France resonates strongly with the goals of the Feelin’ @Live Erasmus+ project. Our mission to promote well-being among young people in Europe through creative initiatives like podcasts, discussions, and local actions aligns with this national momentum. As France amplifies its efforts, we are proud to contribute to a European conversation that encourages students to take care of their mental health and seek help when needed.

Let’s continue to share resources, create safe spaces, and support one another—because mental health matters, everywhere.