Plati Centre, the Medical Psychology Service for children and adolescents

The PLATI Centre, the Medical Psychology Service for children and adolescents, which is under the authority of the Department of Health Affairs (DASA), is aimed at children attending schools in the Principality of Monaco who present with psychological difficulties and/or complex learning difficulties, and their families.

The PLATI Centre is comprised of three units:

• The Medico-Social Centre (CMP)
• The Day Therapies Activity Centre (CATTP)
• The Learning Difficulties Diagnosis Centre (CDTA)

The staff of these centres is comprised of various professionals:

• A child psychiatrist, a specialist in the development and psychological functioning of the child, who determines the therapeutic approach and directs and coordinates treatment
• A psychologist and psychotherapist, who implements preventive and/or curative action, in conjunction with the child psychiatrist, via interviews and sometimes using evaluation tools
• A psychologist specialising in neuropsychology, who evaluates cognitive function (learning, attention, memory) using standardised tests and implements specific treatment
• A psycho-motor specialist, who is an expert in psycho-motor problems and will enable the child to better understand his or her body, other people and his or her environment through bodily movements (expressive activities, relaxation, sensory stimulation, etc.)
• A speech therapist, who specialises in speech disorders that present orally (affecting the voice, articulation or speech) and in writing. The speech therapist carries out an assessment review and implements rehabilitation work in one or more weekly sessions
• A social worker, whose role is to inform the family of the formalities to be undertaken to obtain services and benefits of all types.  She works in association with all the partners involved with the child
• A specialist teacher, who supports children or adolescents with disabilities and /or behavioural difficulties and helps develop his or her autonomy and socialisation abilities
• An art therapist, for children and adolescents who have difficulties with expressing themselves, who encourages their creative ability
• A medical secretary, who responds to queries by telephone or in situ.  She notes the initial information, welcomes families and provides information on how the service operates.  Like the other members of the team, she is bound by medical secrecy

The care provided for children by these two centres is complementary. Guidance is provided to children jointly by the child psychiatrists, depending on what is in the child's interest.