Are our counselling centers visible enough? Counselling center for learning and adjustments difficulties at the Department for School and Adolescent Medicine, Institute for Public Health "Dr. Andrija Stampar"

Abstract

This paper reports on activities at the Counselling Centre for learning and adjustment difficulties during the period of 2010-2015. During the observation period, 116 clients (63.7% girls) were admitted at the Counselling Centre, aged 12-32 years. The most common reasons for admission were: school and academic failure, anxiety disorders, symptoms of depression and lack of confidence. Patients were treated with cognitive behaviour therapy. The results showed that 68.1% of patients completed their therapy, 24.1 % dropped out of treatment without providing an explanation and 7.7% of them were referred to other specialists. The average number of sessions per user was 6. Satisfaction and progress were evaluated using a self-report scale from Oto 10 and by standardized questionnaires; 75.9 % of clients considered treatment successful. This study indicates that open-door advisory centres at the Department for School and Adolescent Medicine are necessary and effective. If the disorders are recognized early and treatment is initiated on time, it could result in not only better school success but also improve the person's quality of life and well-being.