Psychological Outcomes of Strategic Therapy in Adult Outpatients (POST Trial)

This observational study investigates the outcomes of Strategic Psychotherapy, a form of brief psychological treatment focused on specific goals for change. The aim is to evaluate whether patients who receive this therapy in private practice settings experience improvements in their psychological well-being, psychological symptoms, and daily functioning. The study population includes all adult patients (≥16 years) who spontaneously seek treatment from two strategic therapists between January 2021 and December 2025. Eligible participants must present with psychological problems that meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis. Participants will complete two psychological questionnaires (SCL-90R and CORE-OM) before starting therapy and again at the end of their treatment. Changes in scores on these outcome measures will be statistically compared with data from a non-clinical population to assess whether the observed changes are greater than would be expected by chance. Additional information will be collected, including medication use, the patient's own evaluation of the therapy, the number of sessions attended, the initial diagnosis, family involvement, and the types of therapeutic prescriptions used.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 16 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 16 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).