Facing a growing youth mental health crisis, Rybnik’s innovative support program is delivering accessible therapy—giving adolescents the support they need to heal, grow, and thrive.
CHALLENGES IN CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH
The primary challenge in child and adolescent mental health in Poland, including Rybnik, is the long waiting time for psychotherapy, largely due to a shortage of child psychiatrists. This issue worsened during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many young people without support. Studies indicate that the incidence of depression and anxiety among youth doubled compared to pre-2019 levels.
PROGRAM DESIGN AND THERAPEUTIC SERVICES
To address this, the Mental Support Program for Children and Adolescents in Rybnik was launched, led by child psychiatrists and certified psychotherapists. The program aims to increase access to psychotherapy for 12 to 18-year-olds struggling with emotional, depressive, anxiety, and adaptive disorders, as well as those in remission from psychotic disorders or experiencing bipolar disorder. The initiative includes individual, group, and family therapy, focusing on prevention and treatment of mental health disorders, including suicidal risk in teenagers.
IMPACT AND FUTURE PLANS
In 2024, 92 young people participated, with 26 completing the full therapeutic process. For 2025, the program will expand to at least 100 participants, offering an average of 25 weekly sessions per person, equivalent to six months of therapy.
