(Vienna, 03-09-2025) The mental health of children and adolescents is one of the central issues in our society today. The stresses caused by the pandemic, war, climate change and economic uncertainty are having a profound effect on young people. Nevertheless, there are still no representative studies in Austria that record the extent of mental illness. At the same time, the demand for places in care is continuously increasing. This is a development that no single institution can cope with on its own. "After 50 years of successful clinic history, it should be our common goal to be able to clearly identify these developments – only then can we take the right measures. The anniversary reminds us how important it is to bring this issue even more into the focus of society and to take joint responsibility," emphasises Paul Plener, Head of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna.
The 50th anniversary was celebrated with a ceremony on the clinic's roof terrace, a fitting location that symbolises the latest developments. The new building, constructed in 2020, not only provided 60 per cent more space for treatment, but also a deliberately healing environment with a green roof terrace, exercise areas and lounges. However, the focus of the celebrations was on the team: around 140 employees from twelve professional groups shape the clinic today and are constantly developing new concepts to provide the best possible support for children and adolescents. One example is the home treatment programme developed in collaboration with the City of Vienna's Psychosocial Service, which provides patients with support in their everyday lives at home and actively involves their families. This consolidates the clinic's pioneering role over the last 50 years, from destigmatising mental illness to developing modern, realistic forms of treatment.
When the clinic was founded in 1975, mental illness in children and adolescents was hardly visible in society and was often downplayed. Today, child and adolescent psychiatry is an indispensable part of healthcare. Through research, care, teaching and education, the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna has made a significant contribution to raising the profile of this field and paving the way for an open discussion about mental health.
Joint mission
The high demand for places shows that child and adolescent psychiatry is a sought-after medical discipline. New training initiatives in cooperation with the Vienna Health Association are intended to produce more specialists and secure long-term care. "We can only overcome the challenges of the future by working together. One clinic alone cannot meet the growing demand. Politics, society and the healthcare system must pull together to provide the best possible support for children and young people," emphasises Paul Plener. "Our anniversary is therefore not only a reason to celebrate, but above all a clear joint mission to put the mental health of young people in Austria higher on the agenda."