ADULT PSYCHIATRY

At the Poliklinika Golden Mind, we provide comprehensive professional psychiatric care for adults – from the first encounter and diagnosis, through therapy, to continuous support and relapse prevention. Our goal is to create a safe and encouraging environment where each individual feels heard, respected, and actively involved in their own healing process.

Steps / How the process looks

First contact and appointment scheduling - The first step is arranging an appointment by phone or email to schedule your first consultation with a psychiatrist. Prepare basic information about symptoms, duration of difficulties, and any previous interventions if applicable.

Initial consultation (anamnesis) - During the first meeting, the psychiatrist will conduct a detailed interview about your current symptoms, emotional state, physical health, life circumstances, family history of mental health, and lifestyle factors that may influence your condition (sleep, nutrition, stress). The goal is to gain the most complete picture of the situation.

Additional assessment / psychological evaluation - Depending on needs, additional tests may be introduced – psychological questionnaires, cognitive function evaluation, personality assessment, tests for anxiety, depression, trauma assessment, and neuropsychological evaluation if needed. This phase helps clarify the diagnosis and identify factors that complicate the condition.

Diagnosis - After processing all available data, the psychiatrist establishes a diagnosis according to relevant classification criteria. A comprehensive diagnosis includes not only the name of the disorder but also an assessment of severity, duration, and impact on daily life.

Treatment plan - Together, we agree on therapeutic options that best suit your situation. This may include:

• psychotherapy (various approaches)
• medication therapy
• combined approach
• additional support (psychosocial, educational, family)

Therapy / intervention implementation - In this phase, the agreed plan is implemented:

• Psychotherapy – individual sessions, possible group or family therapies
• Medication therapy – when indicated, with careful monitoring of side effects and effectiveness
• Daily life support – coping strategies, psychoeducational training, organization of daily activities, support in stressful situations

Monitoring and evaluation - Regular check-ups and controls are crucial. The psychiatrist will monitor progress, adjust therapy if needed, respond to changes in symptoms or life circumstances. The entire process is dynamic – what works initially may require changes.

Relapse prevention / maintaining results - When the condition stabilizes, we work to preserve the achieved progress. This may mean:

• maintaining therapy for a certain period
• continuing psychotherapy at less frequent intervals
• introducing preventive measures – stress management techniques, regular sleep, family/community support
• education about personal warning signs for prompt response

Therapy and possibilities

Types of psychotherapy - At the Poliklinika Golden Mind, various psychotherapy methods are available, tailored to individual needs: cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic approaches, integrative methods, problem-solving therapy, trauma and stress support.

Pharmacotherapy - When necessary, we use proven medications to alleviate symptoms – antidepressants, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, etc. Medication administration is carefully monitored, with explanations about effects, possible side effects, and benefit vs. risk assessment.

Combined approach - Often the most effective approach is a combination of psychotherapy and medication, along with lifestyle support. The goal is treating not only symptoms but also causes, adapting lifestyles, and strengthening resilience.

Psychosocial and educational support - Education of the patient (and family) about the nature of the disorder, prevention strategies, communication, stress management. Psychosocial interventions help restore functionality in work, relationships, and social life.

What you can expect from us

• Professional guidance from experienced psychiatrists and psychotherapists
• Individual approach – every patient is different, therapy is adapted to your situation
• Confidentiality and ethics in work
• Transparency in explaining diagnosis, possibilities, and therapy limitations
• Presence of support – it’s not just about “treating symptoms” but encouraging growth, self-awareness, and strengthening independence

CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY

The initial consultation with a specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry is the first step towards diagnosing and evaluating potential mental disorders. The child/adolescent must be accompanied by a legal guardian. The initial examination usually includes a series of steps and activities:

1. Information gathering: Before meeting with the psychiatrist, you may need to fill out forms or questionnaires that will contain information about your child or adolescent, including medical history, family history, current symptoms, and other relevant information.
2. Interview with the Patient: During the initial meeting, the specialist will conduct an interview with the child or adolescent to better understand their emotional and mental needs. This is an opportunity for the patient to express their feelings, concerns, and experiences.
3. Discussion with Parents or Guardians: The specialist will also talk to the parents or guardians to gain a better insight into the child’s or adolescent’s developmental history and family context. Family history and dynamics often play a crucial role in the mental health of a child or adolescent.
4. Symptom Assessment and Diagnosis: Based on the gathered information, the specialist will attempt to make a diagnosis or understand the nature of the problems the patient is facing. This may include diagnosing mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, etc.
5. Treatment Planning: After making a diagnosis, the specialist will discuss possible treatments with you and your child or adolescent. This may include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, or a combination of both, depending on the patient’s needs.
6. Setting Goals: The specialist will help set goals for therapy and treatment. These goals will be aimed at improving the patient’s mental health and enabling them to function better in everyday life.
7. Education and Support: The specialist will provide education about mental health and therapy and offer support and guidance to help you better understand and support your child or adolescent.
8. Plan for Monitoring and Follow-up Appointments: The specialist will arrange a plan for further follow-up examinations and psychotherapy sessions to monitor your child’s or adolescent’s progress.

It is important to note that each initial examination can vary in time frame depending on the individual needs of the patient and the specifics of the service provider. It is crucial to openly communicate with the specialist, ask questions, and express your concerns so that you can together develop the best plan for treatment and support for your child or adolescent.

Follow-up Examination in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

• A follow-up examination is a specialist examination after the initial examination of the child/adolescent to evaluate and monitor their health condition after the start of treatment and/or procedures indicated at the first examination.

Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents

• Psychotherapy is always the first choice in treating many mental disorders in children and adolescents. Our experts are recognized in this field and are educated in various types of psychotherapies.

Group Psychotherapy for Adolescents

• Group psychotherapy for adolescents is a therapeutic approach used to treat emotional and psychological problems in youth. This form of therapy involves working with a group of adolescents facing similar challenges and problems, led by an experienced therapist.

Consultations/Counselling for Parents

• The role of parents during the treatment process is often of utmost importance; therefore, maintaining a good relationship with parents is essential. In treating a child/adolescent, we often “guide” parents through the process of treating their child/adolescent with the goal of informing, advising, and educating them.

COACHING

Coaching is a contemporary approach to personal and professional development based on a structured yet flexible process. Through targeted conversations, active listening, and asking the right questions, a coach helps individuals or teams to more clearly see their goals, resources, and opportunities. Coaching does not involve providing ready-made solutions, but rather empowering clients to independently find the most effective strategies for achieving desired results.

In a business environment, coaching can contribute to strengthening leadership and communication skills, more effective decision-making, better organization, and greater employee engagement and motivation. It particularly stands out as a valuable tool in developing managers and teams who want to achieve long-term and sustainable changes.

On the other hand, life coaching is focused on the personal dimension of life. It focuses on areas such as self-confidence, work-life balance, building healthy habits and relationships, and better time and energy management. Through such a process, individuals get the opportunity to better understand themselves, become aware of their own values, and set goals that align with their inner priorities.

Regardless of whether it’s a business or life context, coaching creates space for deeper understanding, personal responsibility, and lasting change, thereby achieving greater clarity, focus, and sense of fulfillment.

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

Psychological assessment is a process that uses a set of tests to collect data to assess the examinee’s intellectual abilities, personality, emotional state, cognitive functions, and psychopathology. Psychological tests are designed and developed by experts in psychology and psychometrics and are conducted by qualified psychologists or testing experts to ensure the reliability and validity of the results. Psychological assessment consists of interviews, tests with standardized psychological instruments, written reports, and opinions.

PROFESSIONAL ORIENTATION

Professional Orientation at Poliklinika Golden Mind

What is professional orientation?

Professional orientation is a professional process intended for students in final grades of elementary school, high school students, and young people facing college choices. At Poliklinika Golden Mind, we help you discover your own abilities, interests, and potentials to make an informed decision – not just what you like, but what will suit you and be achievable in the long term.

Why is it important to you?

• Facilitates the choice of high school, college, or career
• Reduces stress and uncertainty
• Helps recognize strengths and weaker areas
• Guides toward a career where you will have success and satisfaction

How do we do it?

We use proven psychological tests and inventories, known for their quality, standardization, and relevance in Croatia.

Main instruments we use:

Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT) for professional guidance and selection - Measures seven types of abilities important for academic and work success – verbal, numerical, abstract reasoning, mechanical reasoning, spatial relations, perceptual speed and accuracy, grammar and spelling

Career Interest Inventory (CII) for professional guidance - Focuses on your educational goals and interests in relation to different subjects, work areas, and possible occupations.

How the process looks at Poliklinika Golden Mind

1. Initial consultation – we get acquainted with your academic achievements so far, hobbies, wishes, and possibilities.
2. Test application – we conduct DAT and CII tests in comfortable conditions, with a psychologist.
3. Results analysis – we interpret your results: what are your strengths, where you can improve, what interests you most.
4. Counseling and planning – we help you create a plan based on the results: choice of high school/study area that best suits you; we inform you about possibilities, advantages, and disadvantages of choices.

Who leads the process

Professional orientation at Golden Mind is conducted under the guidance of professionals (psychologists) who have experience in educational psychology and career counseling.

What you get

• Official written report with test results and interpretation
• Clear recommendation for high school or college direction that suits you
• Advice on how to develop your abilities and interests
• Sense of security and information for important life decisions

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Individual Psychotherapy

Individual psychotherapy is a form of therapy where one-on-one sessions are held between the therapist and the patient to understand, explore, and work on various emotional, mental, or behavioural difficulties. Depending on the therapist, approaches, and patient needs, different types of psychotherapies can be used, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, problem-solving therapy, group psychotherapy, etc.

The goal of individual psychotherapy is to provide a safe space where the patient can openly discuss their feelings, experiences, and problems. Through the therapy process, the patient can better understand themselves, their patterns of thinking and behaviour, and learn new techniques or strategies for managing stress, coping with challenges, or solving problems.

The therapist will use various techniques and tools tailored to the patient’s needs to support the process of self-help and change. Depending on the situation, the therapy may be short-term (focused on resolving a specific issue) or long-term (working on deeper issues and personality changes).

Regular sessions with the therapist usually take place weekly or according to the patient’s agreement and progress.