Group Unified Protocol therapy at a university outpatient clinic
Official title: Transdiagnostic Group Treatment of Emotional Disorders: A Cross-sectional and Naturalistic Study of Outcome, Change Processes, and Clinical Training
Run by University of Bergen · NCT07129941 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try group-based Unified Protocol therapy for adults 18–40 with anxiety or unipolar depression to see if it reduces symptoms and improves emotion regulation and well‑being.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Bergen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bergen, Vestland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 8, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2034 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07129941 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–40 who meet diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder and/or unipolar depression and who are motivated for short-term group treatment are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
People with active suicidality or self-harm, severe psychiatric disorders (bipolar disorder, psychosis), substance use disorders, use of benzodiazepines, unstable antidepressant dosing, or those in other psychological treatment are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study will deliver the Unified Protocol (UP) in a group format to 140 patients at a university outpatient clinic, with groups led by either experienced or novice therapists and a non-clinical control group of 45 participants for comparison. Outcomes include self-report measures of symptoms, well‑being, emotion regulation, and treatment nonspecific factors such as credibility and therapeutic alliance. Psychophysiological measures (heart rate variability and interoception) and qualitative interviews will be collected to explore processes of change and participants' experiences. The trial is conducted at the Department of Clinical Psychology in Bergen, Norway, using self-referred participants recruited via advertisements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a scalable group therapy option that helps people with anxiety and depression by targeting shared emotional processes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous randomized trials and meta-analyses report that the Unified Protocol performs as well as disorder-specific CBT and better than usual care across settings, although evidence from Norway is limited to a small feasibility study.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-40 * Fulfilling diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder and/or unipolar depression (ICD F.3x - 4x) * Motivated for short-term treatment in group format Exclusion Criteria: * Suicidality * Self-harm * Severe psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder, psychosis) * Substance use disorders * Use of anxiolytic medication (i.e., benzodiazepines) * Unstable antidepressant medication (i.e., stable dosage \<6 months) * Other ongoing psychological treatment
Where it's running
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Department of Clinical Psychology
Bergen, Vestland, Norway Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jon Vøllestad, Ph.D. — University of Bergen
- Study coordinator: Jon Vøllestad, Ph.D.
- Email: jon.vollestad@uib.no
- Phone: 0047 95 21 32 86
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.