Psychologist

First Visit to a Psychologist

The first visit to a psychologist can be stressful. Patients often have doubts about the appropriateness of choosing this path for help, particularly due to the fear of sharing their problems with a stranger. Sometimes, patients struggle to determine if the psychologist is the right specialist and will provide the necessary support. However, regardless of whether it involves the death of a loved one or an overwhelming sense of anxiety, one can seek help for any challenging situation, especially if it has persisted for a long time.

If previously used methods do not provide relief, do not lead to a solution to the problem, or if concerning symptoms arise, it is worth considering a visit to a psychologist.

A psychologist is a person who possesses the appropriate qualifications and education, confirmed by documents, and based on them provides services – advice, visits, psychological assistance, conducts psychological therapy, issues reports, and opinions. According to the law in Poland, a psychologist can only be a person who has completed a uniform master's degree in psychology. Depending on their field or individual professional interests, psychologists may specialize in areas such as child and adolescent clinical psychology, family psychology, forensic psychology, social psychology, educational psychology, or neuropsychology. After obtaining additional qualifications, a psychologist can provide psychotherapeutic services and thereby conduct ongoing therapies – group and/or individual.

Among the diseases that a psychologist can diagnose and participate in the treatment process are:

• depression,
• neurosis,
• phobias,
• addiction treatment,
• ADHD,
• dyslexia and dysorthographia, as well as dyscalculia.

You should seek a consultation in the event of the first concerning symptoms such as:

• persistent low mood,
• feelings of prolonged sadness,
• loss of appetite,
• decreased libido,
• troublesome sleep issues, including insomnia or excessive sleepiness and feelings of fatigue,
• apathy,
• feelings of anxiety and worry.

All these symptoms may occur periodically – during times of increased stress or significant life changes.

If the symptoms do not last long, are not paralyzing, and do not affect personal and professional life, there is no need to worry; they will resolve on their own.

In cases where symptoms are very intense, persist for a long time, and affect the quality of life, personal, and professional obligations, a psychological consultation is recommended.

If you wish to find a specialist who speaks a foreign language, we recommend checking the profile of the given doctor. Simply click on the specialist's name from the list of schedules above and go to the more detailed description of the doctor, which will include information about foreign languages. If the doctor does not have any visible additional languages, it means they only speak Polish.

If you have noticed symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, order a telemedicine consultation by selecting the "Schedule an Appointment/Telemedicine Consultations" tab.

Visit to a Psychologist Without a Referral

During the first visit, the specialist will ask about the reason for the consultation and will pose questions about the patient's expectations, family relationships, social situation, work situation, etc. Diagnosing may require more than one or two visits. Issues related to mental health require a detailed analysis. Some matters the patient informs themselves; others may be unconscious to them, and it is the psychologist's role to bring them to light. To make a diagnosis, the specialist must know the patient's situation, including information about their past, family, lifestyle, health status, addictions, etc.

As part of the consultation, the psychologist specialist:

• conducts an interview and psychological observation,
• makes a diagnosis,
• provides specialist recommendations,
• plans and conducts psychological therapy,
• if necessary, refers to specialized consultations, e.g., psychiatric or speech therapy.

In some cases, to make a diagnosis, additional paid diagnostic tests may be necessary, requiring separate visits. The psychologist specialist does not issue prescriptions and does not prescribe medications. They are also not authorized to issue sick leave. The first visit to a psychologist is usually the beginning of collaboration and the diagnostic process, and consequently, the proposal of a specific therapy and guiding the patient through it.