Free psychiatric support – a new city program

A new support program for residents, funded by Swiss grants, has been launched by the municipal authorities. Residents of Ciechanów will now have easier, faster, and less bureaucratic access to psychiatric care. This service is intended for adults experiencing a crisis—such as those struggling with anxiety, personality-related issues, or eating disorders. Appointments with a specialist can be scheduled through the Resident Support Center (Centrum Wsparcia Mieszkańca).

These support programs for residents in crisis represent a new initiative by the city. They are being implemented using funds secured by the municipal government from the Swiss government as part of the Polish-Swiss Urban Development Program. A month ago, a psychological support program was launched, alongside a free "handyman" service (providing minor home repairs for those in need).

A third pillar of support for residents is now being implemented: easily accessible mental health services for the people of Ciechanów who are socially excluded or at risk of social exclusion.

Who is eligible?

The program is intended for residents of the Ciechanów Urban Municipality who are experiencing a mental health crisis—including those struggling with mood, anxiety, personality, eating, psychotic, or identity-related disorders, as well as those facing emotional, social, or health-related crises.

Priority for the program will be given to individuals who:

• have a referral to a psychiatrist from their primary care physician (GP), or a written recommendation for such a consultation from a psychologist;
• lack access to timely psychiatric care through the National Health Fund (NFZ);
• are experiencing significant mental health symptoms (such as anxiety, panic attacks, depressive symptoms, a sense of being mentally overwhelmed, or difficulties in daily functioning).

Those qualified for the program are eligible for up to three psychiatric consultations at no cost.

The following individuals are not eligible for this free psychiatric support: those requiring immediate psychiatric intervention or hospitalization; those currently undergoing long-term psychiatric treatment; and those who are under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances at the time of application or while receiving support.

How to apply:

Applications must be submitted in person at the Resident Support Center (Centrum Wsparcia Mieszkańca), located at ul. Sienkiewicza 32D (within the Municipal Social Welfare Center/MOPS building, room 31, ground floor). Applications are accepted on business days: Monday–Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The requirements for participation in the program are:

• residing within the Municipal Commune of Ciechanów,
• possessing a medical referral from a family doctor to a psychiatrist, or a written recommendation to that effect from a psychologist,
• submitting an application form for the program in accordance with the rules set out in the Regulations.

Support from Swiss Funds

The program aims to prevent health and emotional problems as well as mental disorders, and to counteract social exclusion among residents. Funding for its implementation is provided through the project "Strengthening social and environmental protection systems in Ciechanów and parts of its Functional Urban Area," which is co-financed by Swiss Funds—a mechanism designed to reduce economic and social disparities within the European Union.

The city is currently finalizing the preparation of further support programs for its residents. On May 14, public consultations were held at city hall to discuss proposed programs covering rehabilitation services, grants for residents to replace windows and doors, and subsidies for renewable energy installations.