Outcomes of Strategic Psychotherapy for Adults in Private Practice
A Naturalistic Study of Psychological Outcomes in Adult Outpatients Receiving Strategic Psychotherapy in Private Practice (POST)
This project will see if brief Strategic Psychotherapy helps adults with diagnosed mental disorders who seek private outpatient care improve symptoms and everyday functioning.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Società Scientifica di Psicoterapia Strategica Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Empoli, Italy and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07195266 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational, naturalistic study of adult patients (≥18) who sought treatment from two certified strategic therapists between January 2021 and December 2025. Participants complete the SCL-90R and CORE-OM before starting therapy and again at the end of treatment, while therapists deliver usual care without altering session number or content. Additional clinical and process data—such as diagnosis, medication use, number of sessions, family involvement, prescriptions, and patient-rated evaluation—are collected to contextualize outcomes. The study aims to describe real-world changes in psychological well-being and daily functioning associated with Strategic Psychotherapy in private-practice settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older who voluntarily seek treatment with one of the two participating strategic therapists, present clinically relevant psychological problems consistent with a formal diagnosis, can provide informed consent, and can complete the questionnaires are eligible.
Not a fit: Patients with acute severe psychiatric conditions (for example acute psychosis, severe suicidal risk, or substance dependence requiring detoxification) or those unable or unwilling to complete the required questionnaires are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could show that Strategic Psychotherapy delivered in routine private practice reduces symptom distress and improves everyday functioning for adults with psychological diagnoses.
How similar studies have performed: Strategic Psychotherapy is widely used in clinical practice and small-scale studies have reported promising results, but systematic outcome data from naturalistic private-practice settings remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older. * Individuals voluntarily seeking psychological treatment in private practice with one of the participating strategic therapists. * Presence of clinically relevant psychological problems consistent with a formal diagnosis (e.g., anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, stress-related conditions, relational difficulties). * Ability to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals younger than 18 years. * Patients with severe psychiatric conditions requiring immediate specialized care (e.g., acute psychosis, severe suicidal risk, substance dependence requiring detoxification). * Patients currently enrolled in another clinical trial. * Inability or unwillingness to complete the required questionnaires (SCL-90-R and CORE-OM).
Where this trial is running
Empoli, Italy and 1 other locations
- Studio di psicoterapia Dr. Tinacci — Empoli, Italy, Italy (Recruiting)
- Studio di Psicoterapia Dr. Fabio Leonardi — Livorno, Li, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Fabio Leonardi, Psychologist — Private Practice, Livorno (Italy)
- Study coordinator: Fabio Leonardi, Psychologist
- Email: dott.leonardifabio@gmail.com
- Phone: 0039 3283261083
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.