Eesti Loodus -ja Loomateraapiakeskus

What Eesti Loodus -ja Loomateraapiakeskus does

Eesti Loodus- ja Loomateraapiakeskus (Eesti Loodus- ja Loomateraapiakeskus MTÜ) is an Estonian non-profit association founded in 2010 in Aegviidu, Estonia's so-called Hiking Capital, that delivers nature-based and animal-assisted psychological therapy, youth development programs, and professional training. Its core clinical offerings are individual psychological sessions (€90–€125 per 60–90 minutes) conducted outdoors or with therapy animals, framed around three modalities: forest therapy (metsateraapia), animal-assisted therapy (loomateraapia), and outdoor therapy (õueteraapia). The center also runs structured youth programs (e.g., the 5-session 'Julge olla sina ise' self-development course for ages 15–19), 90-minute school and youth-organization visits, and corporate wellness workshops ('Mine metsa!' and 'Loodus ja vaimne tervis'). It sells ancillary physical products — the Seisundikaardid set of 55 nature-photography cards (€28) and founder Kristi Raava's book 'Psühholoog — Otse ja Ausalt' — and operates an annual public mental-health festival, Vaimse Tervise Festival 'Olemise Võlu.'

Underlying 'technology' consists of integrated human-delivered methodologies, on-site therapy animals (dogs, chickens, rabbits, fish), and direct access to Aegviidu's forest terrain. Two flagship revenue lines are the 10-module practitioner development programs 'Loomad õppe- ja teraapiaprotsessis' and 'Loodus õppe- ja teraapiaprotsessis' (€1,450–€1,550 each), the first of which is endorsed by the University of Denver's Institute for Human-Animal Connection and capped at 12 participants per cohort. Customer segments span children/youth/families (primary), Estonian schools and municipalities, working professionals in psychology/education/social work, and corporate clients. Reach is domestic Estonian, supplemented by international advisor ties (Denver University, Nordic outdoor-therapy experts via a 2023 Nordic Council of Ministers-funded project) and a partner ecosystem of 22+ organizations including Tallinna 32. Keskkool, Aegviidu Kool, Tallinn Zoo, and Eesti Töötukassa.

Name

Eesti Loodus -ja Loomateraapiakeskus

Legal name

Eesti Loodus -ja Loomateraapiakeskus MTÜ

Website

https://loomateraapiakeskus.ee

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Estonian non-profit association in Aegviidu providing nature-based and animal-assisted psychological therapy, youth self-development programs, and Denver University-endorsed practitioner training for educators, psychologists, and corporate clients across Estonia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nature-Based and Animal-Assisted Therapy Services

NAICS

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mental Health Counseling & Psychotherapy Services (EDALAFAB), Recreation Therapy, Stress Management & Mindfulness Programs (EDALAFAO), Mindfulness, Meditation & Stress Management Education (EDAAAHAD)

Keywords

• Nature-based therapy
• Animal-assisted therapy
• Forest therapy services
• Professional development training
• Youth mental health programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Anija

HQ country

Estonia

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Psychological Therapy Sessions: Individual psychological therapy sessions for children, youth, and families, conducted in nature or with animals. Sessions are priced per occurrence (not recurring subscription) and can range from 2 to 5+ sessions. The center also offers group programs.
2. Youth Program Visits — Self-Discovery Trek in Nature: 3-hour mental health support program for youth groups aged 15–19, conducted outdoors. Minimum group size of 15 participants. Price is quoted upon request.
3. School and Organization Visits: Two themed visit options for schools and youth organizations: 'Nature, Movement and Mental Health' and 'How Are You Really Doing?' Each lasts 90 minutes. Targeted at ages 15–19. Price quoted on request.
4. Practitioner Development Program — 'Animals in Learning and Therapy Process': A 10-module professional development course. Pricing: 1450 EUR until April 15, then 1550 EUR thereafter. Payment can be made in three equal installments. Registration requires a 50 EUR deposit. Includes certificate from Denver University's Institute for Human-Animal Connection.
5. Development Program — 'Nature in Learning and Therapy Process': A 10-module professional development course priced at 1450 EUR (early bird until July 1) or 1550 EUR (from July 2 onward). Payable in three installments. Registration requires a 50 EUR deposit.
6. Inspiration and Self-Awakening Training — 'Go to the Forest!': A 1-day internal corporate training for organizations. Content covers discovering inner resources through nature activities, burnout prevention, and mindfulness. Delivered by Kristi Raava. Price quoted upon request.
7. Short Training for Companies — 'Nature and Mental Health': A 90-minute internal training for organizations on nature's impact on mental health. Suitable for companies and schools. Price quoted upon request.
8. Self-Development Program for Youth — 'Be Brave to Be Yourself': A psychological self-development program for youth aged 15–19, consisting of 5 sessions. Can be delivered as a 35-hour elective course in gymnasium. Price quoted upon request.
9. Seisundikaardid — Status Cards Product: A set of 55 nature photography cards sold as a product for therapists, teachers, and trainers. Price: 28 EUR per set (includes postage within Estonia). Sold via email order.
10. Book — 'Psychologist — Directly and Honestly' by Kristi Raava: A book by Kristi Raava published by JES Kirjastus, 192 pages, softcover. Pre-sale price: 21.20 EUR (+ shipping) until April 3; regular price: 24.95 EUR (+ shipping). Available by email order.
11. Donations and Membership: The center is registered as a non-profit association (MTÜ) and collects donations. It maintains a supporters network listed on its website.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Eesti Loodus- ja Loomateraapiakeskus is a non-profit therapy and training center in Aegviidu, Estonia, delivering nature-based and animal-assisted psychological therapy for children, youth, and families. The center offers individual psychological sessions (forest therapy, animal-assisted therapy, outdoor therapy), structured youth self-development programs, school and youth organization visits, and Denver University-endorsed professional development programs for specialists. It also sells proprietary therapeutic tools (status cards, books) and hosts an annual mental health festival.

Product overview

Eesti Loodus -ja Loomateraapiakeskus offers a unified suite of nature- and animal-assisted psychological services and professional training programs. At its core are therapeutic services including individual psychological therapy (metsateraapia/forest therapy, loomateraapia/animal-assisted therapy, and õueteraapia/outdoor therapy), complemented by a growing portfolio of structured programs for youth, organizations, and professionals. Key products include the 'Julge olla sina ise' self-development program for youth, the 'Eneseavastamise retk' outdoor experience, school visit programs, and two Denver University-approved 10-module professional development programs ('Loomad õppe- ja teraapiaprotsessis' and 'Loodus õppe- ja teraapiaprotsessis') for specialists. The center also sells proprietary products including the 'Seisundikaardid' (55-piece nature photo card set) and Kristi Raava's book 'Psühholoog – Otse ja Ausalt'. Training offerings include the 'Mine metsa!' one-day workshop and a 90-minute 'Loodus ja vaimne tervis' corporate training.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Psychological Therapy Sessions (Psühholoogiline individuaalteenus) Individual psychological therapy sessions conducted in nature or with animals, addressing depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, grief, and behavioral problems. Sessions last 60–90 minutes and are priced at €90–€125 per session.
• Forest Therapy (Metsateraapia) Psychological work conducted outdoors in natural environments such as Aegviidu forests and trails, leveraging the restorative effects of nature on mental health, including stress hormone reduction, blood pressure normalization, and brain activity balancing.
• Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy (Loomateraapia) Animal-assisted psychotherapy incorporating therapy animals such as dogs, chickens, rabbits, and aquarium fish, designed to build trust, reduce anxiety, and support emotional development in clients of all ages.
• Outdoor Therapy (Õueteraapia) Outdoor therapy encompassing forest therapy, forest bathing, adventure therapy, and nature-integrated psychotherapy, conducted in natural settings such as parks, forests, and gardens rather than indoor clinical spaces.
• Practitioner Development Program 'Animals in Learning and Therapy Process' (Loomad õppe- ja teraapiaprotsessis) A 10-module professional development program (80 classroom hours + 18 independent hours) approved by the University of Denver Institute for Human-Animal Connection, teaching professionals how to incorporate animals into educational and therapeutic settings. Graduates receive dual certificates from the center and Denver University. Priced at €1,450 (early bird) to €1,550.
• Development Program 'Nature in Learning and Therapy Process' (Loodus õppe- ja teraapiaprotsessis) A 10-module professional development program (88 classroom hours + 20 independent hours) teaching specialists how to integrate nature into educational and therapeutic practice, covering forest bathing, garden therapy, adventure therapy, and seasonal outdoor work. Priced at €1,450 (early bird) to €1,550.
• 'Go to the Forest!' Inspirational Training (Mine metsa!) A one-day inspirational training program for organizations focused on discovering inner resources through nature activities, burnout prevention, mindfulness, and sensory engagement, led by psychologist Kristi Raava.
• Short Training for Companies 'Nature and Mental Health' (Loodus ja vaimne tervis) A 90-minute internal training for companies on the impact of nature on mental health, including group work and self-analysis exercises, suitable for corporate teams and parent evenings at schools.
• Self-Discovery Trek in Nature (Eneseavastamise retk looduses) A 3-hour outdoor mental health program for youth aged 15–19, featuring anxiety-reduction exercises, sensory engagement, adventure activities, and guided reflection circles. Minimum group of 15 participants.
• Youth Self-Development Program 'Be Brave to Be Yourself' (Julge olla sina ise) A 5-session self-development program (each session 3×60 min) for youth aged 15–19, designed to build self-awareness, self-esteem, self-management skills, and life values through nature, animals, and movement at Aegviidu. Can be delivered as a 35-hour elective course in gymnasium.
• School and Organization Visits (Külastused koolidele ja noorteorganisatsioonidele) On-site visits for schools and youth organizations (ages 15–19) covering topics such as 'Nature, Movement and Mental Health' and 'How are you really doing?', lasting 90 minutes each.
• Seisundikaardid Status Cards (Nature Photography) A set of 55 nature-photography status cards used as a therapeutic tool by therapists, teachers, and trainers to facilitate self-expression, reflection, and conversation. Priced at €28 per pack including Estonian shipping.
• Book 'Psychologist — Directly and Honestly' (Psühholoog – Otse ja Ausalt) by Kristi Raava A book by psychologist Kristi Raava drawing on 20 years of experience, offering an honest account of the psychologist's profession, personal challenges, and client stories. Published by JES Kirjastus, 192 pages, softcover. Pre-sale price €21.20; regular price €24.95.
• Mental Health Festival 'Olemise Võlu' (Vaimse Tervise Festival) Annual mental health festival held in Aegviidu featuring workshops in nature, with animals, music, and nature photography. Day ticket priced at €15 adults, €5 for youth up to age 19, free for children under 3.

Quantifiable outcome

• 920+ professionals and individuals have participated in the center's training programs.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers21 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Ajaleidja LoomemajacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Ajaleidja Loomemaja co-organized the Vaimse Tervise Festival 'Olemise Võlu' with the center on October 1, 2023, in Aegviidus. The collaboration combines Ajaleidja's creative programs with the center's nature and animal therapy expertise.
• Ranna Rantšo (Ranna Rantšo Animal Park)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Ranna Rantšo, a domestic animal zoo, provided its animal park as a venue for the mental health festival. Their animals participated in therapy workshops, allowing festival attendees to experience animal-assisted interaction. Their animals include various domestic species managed for therapeutic encounters.
• Kristine Viker Nordland (Norwegian Expert)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 September 2023Norwegian expert in adventure therapy who joined the international cooperation day on September 23, 2023, contributing expertise in adventure therapy approaches used in Norway (including mountain climbing as therapy).
• Tanya Uhnger Wünsche (Danish Expert)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 September 2023Danish expert in outdoor/nature-based therapy who shared latest research on nature's positive effects on mental health via a webinar in early September and conducted in-person training in the forest September 21–23, 2023. Denmark is cited as having nature-based health promotion recognized within its national health system.
• University of Denver — Institute for Human-Animal ConnectioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe institute, founded by Philip Tedeschi, has endorsed the center's practitioner development program 'Animals in Learning and Therapy Process.' Graduates who complete the program and submit a final thesis receive a certificate bearing the Denver University institute's logo. Philip Tedeschi serves as an external expert and advisor to the center.
• JMH (logo partner)minorOthersListed as a partner logo on the center's Partner page. JMH is an Estonian company/organization.
• Koertekool (Estonian Dog School)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner logo on the center's Partner page. Koertekool is operated by Kati Ernits, a certified dog trainer and psychologist who also serves as a trainer for the center's animal-assisted practitioner program.
• Raasiku vald (Raasiku Municipality)minorOthersListed as a partner logo on the center's Partner page. Raasiku Municipality collaborates with the center on local community mental health initiatives.
• Eesti Töötukassa (Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund)minorOthersListed as a partner logo on the center's Partner page. Eesti Töötukassa is an Estonian government agency supporting employment and professional development.
• SädeTERA (Tartu Erakool)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSädeTERA is a unit at Tartu Erakool dedicated to the systematic inclusion of animals in teaching. Led by Katriin Mägi and Marita Kose, who participate in the center's practitioner programs and conduct animal-assisted interventions in school. SädeTERA's research is accessible via University of Tartu's repository.
• Green Chimneys (USA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreen Chimneys is referenced as a related organization in the human-animal connection field. The center's website links to greenchimneys.org and features the Green Chimneys Institute's logo on its homepage, indicating a shared philosophy and potential institutional connection.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association): Sets the standard for equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning via a structured model and professional certification. Adjacent animal-assisted therapy peer with a similar practitioner-certification model to the subject's 'Animals in Learning and Therapy Process' program.

Regional players

• Tallinna Loomaaed (Tallinn Zoo): Estonian zoo listed as a collaboration partner of the subject company; runs educational and conservation programming. Adjacent regional player working at the intersection of animals, education, and public engagement.
• Haapsalu Neuroloogiline Rehabilitatsioonikeskus: Estonian neurological rehabilitation center whose professionals co-lead nature-therapy workshops with the subject company. Regional peer operating in adjacent clinical rehabilitation and outdoor therapy delivery.

Broad incumbents

• Mind (UK): Major UK mental health charity providing advice, support, and campaigning across the mental health spectrum. Operates at much larger scale than the subject company and is comparable as a broad mental health services and awareness incumbent.
• Mental Health Foundation (UK): UK-wide mental health charity addressing a broad portfolio of mental health needs through public campaigns, research, and programs. Comparable as a larger, broader-scope incumbent working in mental health prevention and education.

Direct peers

• Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT): Global organization that trains and certifies forest therapy guides and runs shinrin-yoku-style nature immersion programs. Directly comparable to the subject company's metsateraapia/forest therapy training and delivery model.
• Green Chimneys: US-based nonprofit in Brewster, NY combining animal-assisted therapy, nature-based programs, and education for children and youth. Directly referenced on the subject company's website as a like-minded organization and shares a similar animal-and-nature therapy model.
• Pet Partners: Largest US therapy animal organization, training and certifying therapy animal teams and integrating them into health, education, and wellness settings. Closely comparable in mission to deploy trained animals into therapeutic and educational practice.
• Therapet (UK): UK charity providing animal-assisted therapy visits in hospitals, hospices, schools, and care homes. Comparable as a small nonprofit delivering therapy animals into institutional mental health and wellbeing settings.

Others

• University of Denver Institute for Human-Animal Connection: Academic institute founded by Philip Tedeschi that endorses the subject company's animal-assisted practitioner program and issues co-branded certificates. Strategic partner and source of academic/clinical credibility rather than a competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@EestiLoodusjaLoomateraapia
• Facebookfacebook.com/loomateraapia
• Instagraminstagram.com/loomateraapiakeskus

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 Eesti Loodus -ja Loomateraapiakeskus