Our story

We believe every young person deserves support and shouldn’t have to face their worries alone. That’s why @ease is here: a safe place to talk and be listened to. Always free, without waiting lists, and without referrals.

Or, in the words of our Youth Council chair:

“There’s a big gap between ‘all good’ and ‘you need therapy.’ So what if you’re not okay, but don’t know where to go? That’s when @ease is here for you.

How @ease started

@ease was founded in 2017, inspired by the Australian initiative headspace. Psychiatrists Thérèse van Amelsvoort and Rianne Klaassen witnessed how young people thrived in an environment created especially for them, and with their input. The name @ease was chosen by young people themselves, because it captures exactly what we want to offer: a place where you feel comfortable and at ease.

Thérèse van Amelsvoort and Rianne Klaassen, the founding mothers of @ease
Thérèse van Amelsvoort and Rianne Klaassen, the founding mothers of @ease

Thanks to the backing of Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht University, VUmc Amsterdam and many other dedicated partners, @ease has become a nationwide movement. More and more places now welcome young people to walk in, chat, and be themselves. @ease is proud to be part of the worldwide Youth Mental Health movement.

Why @ease?

Did you know that 75% of all mental health issues start before the age of 25? Still, only 30% of young people get help in time. Why? Because of shame, long waiting lists – or simply not knowing where to go.

  • 75% of mental health problems start before the age of 25
  • Only 3 out of 10 young people with mental health struggles get the right care

@ease wants to change that. Our mission is to make it simpler for young people to reach out for help when they’re struggling.

They come to us with all kinds of issues—big or small. From stress and sadness to money issues, family problems, or stuff with alcohol and drugs. It’s often a mix. At @ease, you can bring it all. Nothing’s off-limits.

  • Thousands of young people have already discovered a safe place to share at @ease.
  • The most common themes are loneliness, stress, pressure to perform and suicidal thoughts.

With us, you’ll find peers who are trained to listen with care. If extra support is needed, professionals are ready to help. Together, we stop small worries from becoming overwhelming problems. And we nurture what’s already inside you: your resilience.

Scientific research

Since the beginning of @ease in 2017, we have been working with Maastricht University to explore the mental well-being of young people. We share our findings in scientific publications so that knowledge about youth, mental health, and accessible support can reach the world.

Our mission

@ease wants every young person aged 12 to 25 to have a space to talk openly. No waiting lists. No referrals. No white coats. No heavy files. What you’ll find instead is real attention. Our scientific research shows it works: talking helps. That makes @ease easy to reach and a powerful extra alongside regular care.

We believe in the power of peer support: young people supporting other young people. It lowers the threshold and creates recognition and hope.

Our vision

Our dream? A world where mental health is normal, talking about feelings is okay and you never have to go through it alone.

That’s why we offer all young people in the Netherlands accessible support through our youth walk-ins and online chat. Everything we do is focused on building resilience and preventing problems from getting worse.

For whom?

@ease is here for all young people between 12 and 25. Whether something’s bothering you, you want to support someone else, or you just need to get something off your chest – you’re welcome. Even if you’re already getting help, on a waiting list, or just finished therapy.

You’re welcome to come on your own. Or bring someone with you. A parent, friend, teacher or support worker can join you if that makes you feel more comfortable.