Dr. Stefan Rieger heads new department for medical psychology!

Dr. Stefan Rieger heads new department for medical psychology!

With a breath of fresh air and a clear focus on mental health, Dr. Stefan Rieger took over the management of the new department for medical psychology at the InnKlinikum and at the Kliniken Südostbayern (KSOB). The expert brings not only his extensive experience as a clinical psychologist, but also a vision for holistic patient care in the region. pnp.de reports that ...

The new department includes around 30 employees at six locations in four counties and offers a wide range of treatments in psychology, psychotherapy, neuropsychology and, in particular, psycho-oncology. This is of great importance because, according to innklinikum.de, almost 30% of hospital patients suffer from mental or psychosomatic disorders that require treatment. Depressive disorders, anxiety and somatoform disorders are particularly common.

A team for the crisis

Dr. Uwe Gretscher, CEO of the KSOB, emphasizes the pioneering role of the two clinic associations in regional mental health care. The department will work closely with oncologists and palliative care specialists to provide comprehensive care for cancer patients. Dr. Rieger knows how important it is to use synergies and treat patients' psychological comorbidities. In particular, psycho-oncological co-treatment is a core task that is urgently needed to support patients in crisis situations.

A key aspect of the work in the new department is crisis intervention. Informed care is particularly important for cancer patients who are struggling with the psychological consequences of their illness. The team consists of licensed psychotherapeutic, psychological and social pedagogical specialists who coordinate and work closely together in their work. This also promotes holistic treatment, which is needed more than ever these days.

Growing challenges in society

The challenges posed by mental illnesses have increased enormously in recent years. According to statista.com, mental health is now one of the most important issues in our society, and it is primarily working people who are increasingly affected by mental illnesses. Cases of incapacity to work due to psychological diagnoses are constantly increasing, a circumstance that is also reflected in the increasing number of sick notes.

Women in particular have a noticeably higher rate of incapacity to work due to mental illnesses. In 2023, depressive episodes were the third most important single diagnosis for work absences. These developments underline the need to optimize psychological care, which is what the new department at the InnKlinikum aims to achieve.

In summary we can say: With Dr. With Stefan Rieger at the helm, the Department of Medical Psychology will make an important contribution to improving psychosocial care in southeast Bavaria. The close cooperation of all professional groups involved in medical psychology and the specialized support for psycho-oncological concerns are already a clear step in the right direction.