Mental health centres in Poland: new NFZ rules from 24 Oct 2026
Short answer: A Health Ministry regulation (Dz.U. 2026 item 1312) makes CZP mental health centres a permanent NFZ service from 24 October 2026. Contracts under the new model can start from 1 January 2027.
Mental health centres (centra zdrowia psychicznego, CZP) have worked in Poland for years as a pilot programme. A regulation of the Minister of Health dated 2 October 2026 now gives them a permanent place in the list of guaranteed services paid by the National Health Fund (NFZ). This guide explains what the regulation says, what changes for patients and which parts are still ahead. Information is as of 16 October 2026. It is a general explanation, not medical advice. If you are in crisis, use the emergency numbers at the end.
What the regulation is
The regulation amends the rules on guaranteed services in psychiatric care and addiction treatment. It was announced on 2 October 2026 and published in the Journal of Laws on 9 October 2026 as item 1312. It enters into force on 24 October 2026, which is 14 days after publication. Three provisions that remove old entries from the annexes apply only from 1 January 2029. According to the Mazovian Office for Settlement of Contracts (MBRK), contracts for services in CZP can be concluded for periods starting no earlier than 1 January 2027.
In practice, solutions that worked under the pilot programme, based on a regulation of 27 April 2018, become part of the regular system of guaranteed services. The aim is to keep care for adults continuous and comprehensive, and to develop outpatient and community-based treatment.
What the CZP offers
The regulation lists the guaranteed services that a CZP provides. According to the MBRK summary, they cover:
- inpatient services,
- help at an admission room,
- day services and outpatient services,
- community treatment, including home visits.
Services are meant to be provided to people over 18 living in the area the centre covers.
* Photos: stethoscope and hospital room, Wikimedia Commons, CC0 / public domain.
Care coordination and the therapy plan
The regulation sets rules for coordinating care. A team that includes at least a doctor and a care coordinator prepares a plan of therapy and recovery. The coordinator sets the dates of the stages of treatment and supervises the documentation. A social worker assesses the patient's life situation and coordinates social support. The regulation also describes a "recovery assistant" (asystent zdrowienia) among the supporting staff. Until 31 December 2029 this role can also be filled by people who do not yet have the final qualification, if they gained experience in a pilot CZP before the regulation came into force or completed a relevant course or training.
The entry point: PZK
The regulation also covers the intake and coordination point (punkt zgłoszeniowo-koordynacyjny, PZK). This is where a person, or someone looking for help for them, reports to receive guaranteed services at the centre. At least one point in each CZP must be open on working days, Monday to Friday, at least from 8:00 to 20:00. The regulation also sets minimum staffing per 100,000 adult residents of the centre's area.
The Ministry of Health explains on its website that in a CZP you need no referral, no registration and no appointment at the PZK. We described this in our guide to free mental health help in Poland. The new regulation does not change that description, but it gives the centres a firmer legal base.
What this means for you
- Nothing changes overnight for a patient. The regulation enters into force on 24 October 2026, but contracts for the new model can start no earlier than 1 January 2027.
- Find out which CZP covers your address. Centres serve a defined area, so the one for your district may differ from the one near your workplace.
- The regulation concerns adults. Children have a separate system of help.
- NFZ rules on insurance still apply to ongoing treatment. Our guide to health insurance for foreigners explains the options.
Crisis numbers
According to the Ministry of Health page we used in the earlier guide, free crisis lines include 116 111 for minors and 800 70 2222 for adults. In an immediate danger to life, call the emergency number 112.
Frequently asked questions
When does the new regulation start?
It enters into force on 24 October 2026. Three provisions on removing old annex entries apply from 1 January 2029, and CZP contracts under the new rules can start no earlier than 1 January 2027.
Who can use a CZP?
The regulation says services are provided to people over 18 in the area of the centre. Children have a different system.
Do I need a referral?
According to the Ministry of Health, not at a CZP intake point. You need no referral, registration or appointment there.
Is there a person who coordinates my treatment?
Yes. The regulation requires a care coordinator and a plan of therapy and recovery prepared by a team that includes at least a doctor.
