Česky
What range of care do you provide at DCNH and what are the waiting times for appointments?
The psychological outpatient clinic of the Diagnostic Centre of Hořovice Hospital provides medical services such as diagnosis, treatment and support for patients with mental health problems, disorders and diseases. We provide care to both adult and pediatric patients and their family members. When needed, crisis intervention can be provided to people who are experiencing a difficult time for a variety of reasons. Due to the nature of the outpatient clinic, appointments are required in advance. Care is always planned, whether it is a psychological evaluation or other types of professional psychological care. In our newly opened outpatient clinic, appointments are flexible at this time and can be accommodated as much as possible to meet the time availability of our clients and patients. Appointment times are in the order of weeks.
What indication or problem do you encounter the most?
In recent years, we have most often encountered anxiety or panic conditions, to which the demands of our time contribute in no small part. The period of the Covid-19 pandemic has also developed or exacerbated a number of mental and psychological problems not only in adults, but also in children and adolescents who have lost social contacts and natural daily routines during a critical developmental period. Returning to school after long periods of distance learning is also not easy for many children. Difficulties in the school environment and in performance are also common. In addition, our outpatient clinics see pediatric and adult patients with a wide range of problems such as obsessive-compulsive disorders, autism spectrum disorders, depression, eating disorders, psychosomatic problems and many others.
Does a person know on their own when to seek psychological care?
If the patient perceives that he or she is no longer able to cope with the stresses of everyday life, has an impaired ability to function on a daily basis, and is no longer able to cope with the situation on his or her own, he or she is probably in crisis. There may also be developing or longer-lasting symptoms of mental illness which also impair the ability to function in normal daily life, whether emotionally, cognitively or socially. In these cases, seeking a psychologist is appropriate in order to help mobilise the client's strengths and abilities or, in the case of more serious problems, to provide longer-term specialist help or to refer the patient to other specialist services.
How to prevent poor mental health? Is there any prevention at all?
It is advisable to maintain a regular daily routine of sufficient sleep, a balanced diet and exercise, and to rely on our healthy coping strategies, which may differ from person to person. Some people find social support helpful, others find their quiet space and peace helpful. Some people like to go for a walk or play sports, others enjoy reading. It is entirely up to each of us in what specific way we take care of our mental health. In general terms, it's about balancing the stresses and strains we are exposed to on a daily basis in a way that feels good and helps us feel good in the long term.
What is the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist and therapist?
The biggest difference lies in the training itself and in the way care is delivered. A psychologist has a philosophical background and their work involves a healthy part of the population going through a crisis or period. A psychologist is a person who primarily uses conversation to treat their clients and patients. Part of the psychologist's work in a health care facility is to make a professional assessment of the patient's mental state using psychodiagnostic procedures and testing methods and then suggesting a course of care.
A psychiatrist is a physician by training who works mostly with more serious mental health problems where medication is usually necessary.
A therapist is a humanities-oriented person with at least a bachelor's degree who has taken a therapeutic course. This is not necessarily a psychologist or psychiatrist, who usually also take this course. A psychotherapist is then defined as a certified clinical psychologist who has passed a second certification in psychotherapy. There is quite a lot of confusion in public opinion about these terms, which causes various prejudices against the professions.
Often people reject the care of a psychologist. How to overcome this?
As already mentioned, psychology is a form of care by conversation, not by medication or immediate hospitalization, and it is also addressed to the non-psychiatric population. Seeing a psychologist is completely normalized and common care for children and adults in the 21st century, and need not be feared or stigmatized, just as a somatically ill person seeks out a professional. Realizing that I need help is not a sign of weakness.
