Understanding psychotherapy expectations and distress in mental health patients and their therapists

The Associations Between Psychotherapy Expectations and Distress Among Adults Hospitalized in Psychiatric Departments or Treated in the Ambulatory/Community Clinics and Their Therapists.

Observational Shalvata Mental Health Center · NCT06908343

This study looks at how the expectations of mental health patients and their therapists affect their feelings of stress during therapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorShalvata Mental Health Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Israel)
Trial IDNCT06908343 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the relationship between psychotherapy expectations and levels of distress among mental health patients and their therapists. Patients will be recruited from various units of Shalvata Mental Health Center, where they will complete questionnaires at four different time points during their treatment. Therapists will also provide their insights through similar measures. The data will be collected using the Qualtrics platform, with assistance from research coordinators for hospitalized patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Hebrew-speaking patients currently receiving treatment at Shalvata Mental Health Center.

Not a fit: Patients who are agitated, acutely suicidal, or in an unstable psychotic state may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of how expectations influence patient distress, potentially leading to improved therapeutic outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar studies have indicated that understanding patient expectations can significantly impact therapeutic outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Hebrew mother tongue speakers
* Being treated at Shalvata MHC.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to read or comprehend Hebrew due to any reason.
* Agitative patients
* Acute suicidal patients
* Patients in unstable psychotic state

Where this trial is running

Israel

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ExpectancyDistress, Psychologicalprocess expectationsdistresshospitalized patientspsychotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.