"The department will work with a clearly structured support system, which represents a pioneering step in the treatment of mental health difficulties in Montenegro during this sensitive period of life. It will function through two programs. The day treatment program is intended for adolescents who, during the day, in a structured and therapeutic environment, work on improving their mental health, while spending the rest of the day and weekends in a family environment. This treatment model has proven to be one of the most effective in practice, because it supports recovery without unnecessary separation from family and everyday life. In addition, the department also has capacities for short-term hospital treatment, in situations when more intensive professional support is necessary," the KCCG states.
The opening of this Department was very challenging because, as the KCCG emphasizes, Montenegro, like many countries in the region, is facing a pronounced shortage of child psychiatrists. However, in cooperation with child psychiatrists from the KCCG Center for Early Development, we managed to secure a professional team that will monitor and lead this program. We are proud to emphasize the collegiality, understanding and mutual support of our organizational units, which is proof that systemic obstacles can be overcome when there is a common will.
"We would like to appeal to parents and guardians to be patient in this initial phase, as we are starting with a limited number of doctors, but with full commitment to building the system responsibly and gradually. The mental health of children and adolescents is not a privilege, it is fundamental. Today we have taken an important step towards making it a practice," the Clinical Center of Montenegro concluded in a statement.
