Children wait three years to see a psychiatrist - what can be done?
The article discusses the growing crisis in child mental health services in Slovenia, where children often wait over three years for access to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. The Svetovalni center za otroke, mladostnike in starše Ljubljana highlights the severe shortage of pediatric psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, particularly outside major cities. Dr. Dijana Možina Zupanc, deputy ombudsman for human rights, emphasizes that waiting three years for treatment is unacceptable, as it prevents timely intervention during critical developmental stages. She calls for expanding the workforce of child psychiatrists and psychologists, improving early identification of mental health issues in schools, and integrating healthcare, education, and social services to provide comprehensive support. She also advocates for legislation specifically addressing psychotherapy to ensure adequate resources and systemic solutions.
The situation regarding children's mental health in Slovenia has worsened over recent years, with reports indicating an increasing number of complex cases requiring extended multidisciplinary care. This was highlighted during a visit by the Ombudsman for Human Rights, who toured the Advisory Centre for Children, Youth, and Parents in Ljubljana. The Ombudsman emphasized the lack of child psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, long waiting times, and an incomplete network of centers dedicated to children’s mental health. According to the Ombudsman’s spokesperson, Dijana Možina Zupanc, the mental well-being of children and youth represents one of the most sensitive areas of fulfilling their rights. She referenced Article 3 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that the best interests of the child must be the primary consideration in all actions concerning them, and Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law for everyone. The advisory center in Ljubljana handles between 2,100 and 2,500 children and young people annually. However, the director of the center, Mateja Hudoklin, noted that the number of severe cases requiring prolonged treatment has been rising each year. She pointed out spatial limitations within the center and the ongoing issue of excessively long waiting periods, which the current team cannot shorten due to resource constraints. The problem extends beyond medical treatment, according to the Ombudsman, emphasizing the need for early identification of stress, accessible counseling services in schools, and better integration between healthcare, education, and social welfare systems. Preventive measures were also stressed, including awareness campaigns about the importance of mental health starting even before birth through prenatal classes for parents and visits by midwives to families with newborns. Inclusive education was another key topic discussed during the visit. The Ombudsman highlighted that inclusive education does not merely mean the physical presence of a child in school but rather their active participation, progress, sense of belonging, and development supported by timely and personalized assistance. Education systems must adapt to the needs of children, not the other way around, according to the discussions held. However, practical challenges remain. Marko Kalan, a special educator at the center, mentioned that there is a shortage of specialized classrooms in elementary schools with lower educational standards. A new law on the guidance of children with special needs, effective since September, mandates that basic schools provide support to students upon identifying learning difficulties, rather than waiting for the completion of the orientation process. The Ombudsman raised concerns about open questions regarding minimum support standards, documentation, monitoring the effectiveness of measures, and procedural guarantees for both children and parents. Without clear criteria, similar needs can result in vastly different levels of assistance depending on the school. The Ombudsman reiterated that the shared goal is for children to feel seen, heard, and valued by adults and institutions, ensuring they do not have to face stress alone. Trust in institutions is one of the most crucial safeguards for children's rights. Meanwhile, the campaign Age Loud/Staramo se naglas!, led by Elena Sergi from Amnesty International, highlights the broader human rights issues affecting older individuals globally. Sergi, currently visiting Slovenia, points out that access to healthcare for the elderly is problematic due to systemic barriers, constituting a violation of the right to health. As the global population aged 65 and above is projected to reach 1.6 billion by 2050, the campaign seeks to address how the rights of older people are often overlooked and how they resist such neglect.
The article announces the opening of an additional family medicine outpatient clinic at the Ptuj Health Center, starting on September 9, 2026. The service is intended for individuals over 19 years old who do not have a selected personal doctor and have arranged mandatory health insurance. The clinic will operate weekly on Wednesdays from 15:00 to 18:30 in the fourth ambulance at the Ptuj Health Center located at Potrčeva cesta 19/a, first floor. Patients can book appointments via phone, mail, or online through the 'Pri zdravniku' portal. In case of severe acute deterioration requiring immediate attention, patients should contact the emergency center or call 112. The clinic will not provide substitute care outside of scheduled hours, and electronic submissions will only be processed during operational times.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a new healthcare service without overt ideological framing. It provides objective details about the clinic’s operation, target audience, location, and procedures, without emphasizing any particular political stance or agenda. The tone remains neutral,聚焦
Why factuality (85): The article provides specific details about the opening of an additional family medicine outpatient clinic at Zdravstveni dom Ptuj, including dates, location, operating hours, contact information, and procedures for appointments. These facts align with typical public health announcements and are con
Why objectivity (90): The article presents the information in a neutral and informative manner, focusing on the service details without expressing personal opinions or biases. The tone remains professional and objective throughout.
Radio OgnjiščeParty-alignedCenterFactual 70Objective 759/4/2026
The article discusses the growing crisis in child mental health services in Slovenia, where children often wait over three years for access to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. The Svetovalni center za otroke, mladostnike in starše Ljubljana highlights the severe shortage of pediatric psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, particularly outside major cities. Dr. Dijana Možina Zupanc, deputy ombudsman for human rights, emphasizes that waiting three years for treatment is unacceptable, as it prevents timely intervention during critical developmental stages. She calls for expanding the workforce of child psychiatrists and psychologists, improving early identification of mental health issues in schools, and integrating healthcare, education, and social services to provide comprehensive support. She also advocates for legislation specifically addressing psychotherapy to ensure adequate resources and systemic solutions.
Bias read (Center): The article presents concerns about systemic failures in providing mental health care for children and proposes policy solutions. It includes quotes from a high-ranking official (deputy ombudsman) and focuses on public policy recommendations such as increasing staffing, legislative reform, and inter
Why factuality (70): The article discusses the issue of long waiting times for child psychiatry services, referencing the importance of early intervention and the impact of staff shortages. It includes quotes from officials but lacks specific data or citations beyond general statements. The content is consistent with si
Why objectivity (75): The article maintains a generally neutral tone, focusing on the challenges faced by children and families. However, it uses emotionally charged language such as 'hudo pomanjkanje' (severe shortage) which may slightly skew the perception of the severity of the issue.
Svet24IndependentCenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 809/7/2026
The article reports that the on-call ambulance service is now available during holidays and at the end of the week. This change aims to improve emergency medical care accessibility outside traditional working hours. Previously, such services were limited to weekdays and non-holiday periods. The update reflects efforts to ensure continuous healthcare support for the public, addressing potential gaps in emergency response times.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual update about changes in ambulance availability without apparent ideological framing or biased language. It focuses on improving public health infrastructure and does not take a stance on political issues.
Why factuality: no official source document/info detected
Why objectivity (80): The article presents the situation objectively, quoting experts and outlining necessary systemic changes. The tone remains professional and focused on solutions rather than taking an overtly emotional stance.
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