Mahena

What Mahena does

Mahena (legal name: Kriisinõustamise ja Eneseleidmise Keskus Mahena MTÜ) is a Tallinn, Estonia-based non-profit association (MTÜ, registry code 80226882) founded in 2005 that delivers psychosocial crisis intervention, psychological counseling, professional supervision, and specialist education in crisis and trauma response. Its service portfolio spans acute crisis counseling within 30 days of incident, individual/couple/family psychological counseling (65–85 EUR per 50-min session), grief counseling, post-traumatic group work, and a layered training curriculum ranging from a 277 EUR two-day intensive to a 7-EAP (182-hour) advanced crisis counselor certification spanning 13 months. The organization maintains the Mahena Spetsialistide Ümarlaud (MSÜ), a professional community of practice established in 2007 with over 100 trained crisis counseling specialists, and aligns its curriculum with the Eesti Kriisinõustamise Ühing national competency framework (EHIS training provider ID: 14752).

The business is entirely self-sustaining, funded through fee-for-service counseling, training programs, supervision, and occasional project grants (notably the ESF/SA Innove school dropout prevention project 2009-2012 covering 50 Estonian institutions). Mahena serves three primary segments: individuals and families in acute crisis; professionals (educators, healthcare workers, social workers, law enforcement, HR) requiring crisis response skills; and organizations including municipalities (KOV), hospitals, schools, and enterprises seeking 24/7 crisis response contracts and staff psychological support. Go-to-market is community-led and organic: no paid advertising, relying on word-of-mouth referrals, the MSÜ referral network, the mahena.org website, a Facebook community page, a quarterly newsletter, and conference/seminar events. Named institutional clients include Põhja-Eesti Regionaalhaigla (PERH), Swedbank AS, Kaitsevägi (Estonian Defense Forces), and Sotsiaalkindlustusamet.

Mahena is not a technology company — it delivers services through in-person, telephone, and video channels using a small core team of 1-10 staff supplemented by a network of specialist contractors. Leadership comprises Tiina Naarits-Linn (Board Member and Director; 25 years as Tallinn University lecturer, former school and police psychologist) and Maria-Helena Mettis (Executive Director; British Psychological Society member). Mahena has run international humanitarian and training projects across Georgia, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Bulgaria, Latvia, Germany, and Russia since 2005, though current revenue remains 100% domestic Estonian. The organization's strategy emphasizes deepening its professional ecosystem (MSÜ expansion, 5th training cohort in 2026-2027), extending into adjacent verticals such as aviation peer support (IPAAC engagement November 2025), and broadening consumer-facing short courses ('Elu kompass') while maintaining its self-sustaining, grant-independent operating model.

Name

Mahena

Legal name

Kriisinõustamise ja Eneseleidmise Keskus Mahena MTÜ

Website

https://mahena.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Mahena is an Estonian non-profit founded in 2005 that delivers psychosocial crisis counseling, professional supervision, and specialist crisis intervention training, serving individuals in crisis, professionals, and institutions (hospitals, municipalities, schools, enterprises) through a Tallinn-based team and a 100+ specialist network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Crisis Counseling and Psychosocial Services

NAICS

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGAEAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD)

Keywords

• Crisis counseling services
• Psychological counseling services
• Professional supervision services
• Crisis intervention training
• Psychosocial support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Tallinn

HQ country

Estonia

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Crisis counseling and intervention services: Fees for crisis intervention sessions including acute consultation (70 EUR/60 min), ongoing crisis counseling (70 EUR/60 min), complex crisis intervention (fee by agreement), and post-traumatic group work (260 EUR/50 min). Billed per session or as a project fee.
2. Psychological counseling and clinical psychology: Psychological counseling sessions at 65 EUR/50 min, clinical psychologist appointments at 85 EUR/50 min. Offered as individual, couple, or family sessions.
3. Work supervision (supervisioon): Supervision services for professionals: individual (90 EUR/90 min or 70 EUR/60 min for contract partners), small group 2-4 persons (150 EUR/90 min), large group 5-12 persons (250 EUR/120 min).
4. Training and education programs: Revenue from 2-day intensive crisis counseling courses (277 EUR), short seminars (74-90 EUR), comprehensive 7 EAP crisis counselor training program (2026-2027), and custom organizational training (quote-based). High-demand programs include 'Elu kompass' short training series (5×2 academic hours) and specialized topics like kinetic sand techniques.
5. Parent coaching program: Structured parenting guidance program (4+4 meetings, 1.5 hours each) for parents dealing with behavioral difficulties, sleep issues, mood disorders, grief, eating disorders, or mental health issues in children.
6. Donations: Occasional donations accepted for specific purposes: crisis intervention cases, support group activities (grieving parents, suicidal ideation, parent training), and space acquisition fund. Mahena is entirely self-sustaining as an NGO with no regular subsidies.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Mahena is an Estonian non-profit psychosocial crisis intervention and counseling center that sells fee-based crisis counseling (acute consultation, ongoing crisis counseling, complex crisis intervention, post-traumatic group work), individual/couple/family psychological counseling, professional supervision, and a tiered curriculum of crisis intervention training (from foundational 2-day intensives through a 7 EAP advanced simulation-based certification). It also delivers on-site crisis response for partner organizations, parenting guidance, and specialist technique training (e.g., kinetic sand therapy).

Product overview

Mahena is a non-profit organization (MTÜ) providing crisis counseling and personal discovery services in Estonia since 2005. The organization operates as a unified service platform offering psychosocial crisis intervention, psychological counseling, professional training programs, and a specialized network for crisis counseling professionals. The core offerings include crisis counseling services (within 30 days of crisis events), various training programs ranging from basic crisis counseling foundations to advanced simulation-based training, psychological counseling for individuals/couples/families, professional supervision, and parenting guidance. The product portfolio centers on crisis intervention services and professional development, with offerings including the Mahena Specialists' Round Table (MSÜ) professional network, the 'Life Compass' short training series, kinetic sand therapeutic technique training, and an information treasury resource library. The organization also provides crisis intervention teams for partner organizations and operates a 24/7 crisis response system for contracted partners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Crisis Counseling (Kriisinõustamine) Psychosocial crisis intervention delivered within 30 days of a crisis event: acute primary consultation (70 EUR/60 min), ongoing crisis counseling (70 EUR/60 min, 35 EUR/30 min), complex crisis intervention (fee by agreement), and post-traumatic group work (260 EUR/50 min). Targeted at individuals, families, and partner organizations in Estonia; also available in Russian.
• Psychological Counseling (Psühholoogiline nõustamine) Individual, couple, and family psychological counseling and bereavement counseling delivered by qualified psychologists and specialists: psychological counseling / grief counseling at 65 EUR/50 min, clinical psychologist at 85 EUR/50 min. Targeted at adults, couples, and families seeking structured therapeutic support.
• Professional Supervision (Töönõustamine / Supervisioon) Supervision for helping professionals in three formats: individual (90 EUR/90 min, or 70 EUR/60 min for contract partners), small group 2–4 persons (150 EUR/90 min), and large group 5–12 persons (250 EUR/120 min). Targeted at social workers, educators, healthcare staff, HR, and other professionals needing structured reflective practice.
• Crisis Counseling Basics Training (Kriisinõustamise põhialused) Two-day intensive course on psychological first aid and crisis intervention fundamentals, priced at 277 EUR per participant (no VAT; 30% discount for high school students; discounts for BA students and repeat participants). Required prerequisite for the Advanced Crisis Counseling Training program. Targeted at professionals and laypeople preparing to respond to people in crisis.
• Advanced Crisis Counseling Training (Kriisinõustamise välaõpe) Full 7 EAP (182 hours / 243 academic hours) advanced simulation-based crisis counselor certification program delivered over 9 sessions across 13 months (October 2026 – November 2027). Prerequisite: completion of Crisis Counseling Basics plus a minimum BA degree. Targeted at professionals pursuing full crisis counselor certification aligned to the Eesti Kriisinõustamise Ühing competency framework.
• Elu kompass (Life Compass) Short Training Series Five-session short training series (5 × 2 academic hours) providing practical tools for navigating life's challenges — conscious choices, communication support, and mental well-being — led by Mahena executive director Maria-Helena Mettis. Targeted at all interested members of the public seeking accessible mental-health skills.
• Kinetic Sand Therapy Training (Kineetiline liiv koolitus) Practical 4-academic-hour training (90 EUR) on using kinetic sand as a therapeutic communication tool with teenagers and adults, based on plassoc therapeutic techniques. Targeted at counselors, educators, and helping professionals seeking specialized expressive-therapy skills.
• Parenting Guidance Program (Vanemlusjuhendus / PTL) Structured parenting guidance program delivered as 4+4 meetings of 1.5 hours each, led by two specialists, based on the principle that the best support for a child is their parent. Targeted at parents of children with behavioral difficulties, sleep issues, mood disorders, grief-related issues, eating disorders, or other psychological challenges. Fee by agreement upon inquiry.
• Organizational Crisis Response and On-site Services Deployment of Mahena crisis response teams to partner organizations for complex crisis intervention, post-traumatic group work (260 EUR/50 min), and organizational crisis planning. Contracted 24/7 crisis response is available to municipalities and other partners with response within 4 hours and immediate phone consultation guaranteed. Custom organizational training (on-site or off-site) is provided on a quote basis. Targeted at Estonian municipalities (KOV), hospitals, schools, defense forces, and enterprises.
• Short Seminars and Workshops Short topical seminars of 4 academic hours each, covering practical mental health strategies, child learning motivation, kinetic sand techniques, and related themes. Targeted at both professionals seeking continuing education and the general public seeking self-development.

Quantifiable outcome

• Mahena has trained crisis counseling professionals since 2005 with 5 full professional training cohorts completed.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Eesti Kriisinõustamise Ühing (Estonian Crisis Counseling Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMahena's training curriculum aligns with the association's competency framework. Completion of Mahena courses qualifies graduates to apply for associate membership in the association. Association maintains a support network for crisis counselors.
• KOV (Local Municipalities) - variouscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipalities enter partnership agreements for 24/7 crisis response services. Municipalities fund client services through agreements with Mahena. Response times guaranteed: within 4 hours for crisis cases, immediate phone consultation for partners.
• Tartu Kiirabi (Tartu Ambulance)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMahena crisis counselors joined Tartu Ambulance podcast series 'Deltakutse' hosted by Dr. Karl Oliver Tomson. Two episodes released (Nov and Dec 2025) on psychological first aid for patients/loved ones and for healthcare colleagues.
• UNICEF GeorgiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMahena specialists participated in UNICEF Georgia's humanitarian response following the 2008 armed conflict. Trained over 304 professionals directly and reached 2000+ via network. Created bilingual (Georgian-Russian) educational material 'Child and Adolescent in Crisis' (5000 copies).
• Eesti Suursaatkond Gruusias (Estonian Embassy in Georgia)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organized training for Georgian rescue service officers in Tbilisi on 'Communication Psychology in Emergency Call Management and Personal Stress Coping' in 2014.
• Gruusia Vägivallavastase Võrgustiku Keskus (Georgian Anti-Violence Network Center)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in 2014 training program for Georgian rescue service officers on communication psychology and stress management.
• Liiklusohvrite Tooksusfond (Road Traffic Victims Support Fund)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in two trauma camps for young traffic victims and their families (2009, 2008) in Lääne-Viru and Põlva counties, where Mahena provided crisis counseling.
• Eesti Puuetege Inimeste Koda (Estonian Disability Board)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in 2009 trauma camp for young traffic victims and their families.
• International Peer Assist Aviation Coalition (IPAAC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMahena CEO participated in IPAAC International Peer Support Aviation Conference in Montreal, November 2025, focusing on peer support programs in aviation. Gained knowledge transferable to other sectors in Estonia.
• International partners (Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Bulgaria, Latvia, Russia)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational collaboration since 2005 includes: Sweden (domestic violence prevention 2005, crisis counseling system study 2006), Norway (youth drug prevention conference 2006), Belgium (EU NGO cooperation 2008, 2010), Bulgaria (school dropout conference 2012), Latvia (crisis behavior seminars 2012-2014), Russia (St. Petersburg conference presentation 2008).

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Eluliin (MTÜ): Estonian emotional support and crisis helpline NGO providing telephone-based crisis support. Direct peer in Estonian crisis intervention services, operating a parallel support channel that competes for the same individual-in-crisis segment.
• Eesti Kriisinõustamise Ühing: Estonian national crisis counseling association that maintains the professional competency framework Mahena's curriculum aligns with, and operates a crisis counselor support network. Closest functional peer in the Estonian crisis intervention professionalization space.
• MTÜ Peaasi: Estonian mental health awareness NGO focused on reducing stigma and providing information and support. Direct peer operating in the same Estonian nonprofit mental health ecosystem with overlapping target audiences (individuals, families, professionals) and similar community-driven GTM.

Others

• Eesti Haigekassa (Estonian Health Insurance Fund): National health insurance fund covering clinical psychology and psychiatric services in Estonia. Adjacent as a payer/referral channel rather than direct competitor, but shapes demand for paid psychological counseling services that Mahena offers.
• Mental Health Europe: European-level advocacy and umbrella organization for mental health NGOs. Thematically related ecosystem participant that influences EU-level policy and funding for psychosocial support services relevant to Mahena's work.
• Tartu Kiirabi (Tartu Ambulance Service): Estonian emergency medical service with whom Mahena has partnered for podcast content on psychological first aid. Adjacent rather than competing; operates in emergency response space with overlapping audience on psychological crisis topics.

Broad incumbents

• Samaritans: Long-established UK-based nonprofit providing 24/7 emotional support and crisis intervention services. Comparable as a long-tenured crisis support specialist organization with volunteer-based delivery model and similar community outreach focus.
• Lifeline International: International network of crisis support helplines originating in Australia, with member organizations across multiple countries. Comparable as a scaled crisis intervention brand operating through member organizations and offering training, similar to Mahena's MSÜ model.
• Eesti Punane Rist (Estonian Red Cross): Larger established NGO providing psychosocial first aid, disaster response, and social support services in Estonia. Comparable in delivery of crisis-related community services but operates at materially larger scale with broader humanitarian mandate.

Emerging players

• Crisis Text Line: US-based nonprofit providing 24/7 crisis support via SMS and digital channels. Comparable as a crisis intervention specialist but differentiated by digital-first delivery and significantly larger scale; represents the technological trajectory Mahena has not adopted.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/mahena.keskus

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mahena