Date created: | Last Updated:

Category: Project

Description: In response to escalating rates of anxiety and depression, and the subsequent need for mental health services, the Italian government has introduced the "Psychological Bonus" scheme. This policy pledges 25 million euros towards mental health care, subsidizing 10-12 therapy sessions for patients in need. In partnership with the National Board of Italian Psychologists, our study assesses the efficacy of this initiative through three lenses: - accessibility of the Psychological Bonus - changes in psychological well-being pre and post-intervention, as well as at six-month follow-up - a longitudinal cost-effectiveness analysis, accounting for the gains made in overall well-being Participants in this study will include licensed psychotherapists and their patients—adults and adolescents—who have used the Psychological Bonus. Data collection is ongoing and will be completed by December 2023. Psychotherapists will provide diagnostic data and assess their patients' functioning. Patients will be evaluated on various aspects of mental health, including clinical symptoms, emotion regulation, and quality of life. We will use multivariate regression and multilevel models in Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to explore the study's primary outcomes. We expect our findings to show a decrease in overall patients' psychological symptoms and distress and improved quality of life. Furthermore, we anticipate the initiative will deliver a favorable return on investment and be cost-effective. This study represents a unique opportunity to assess what works and for whom to implement more structural initiatives in the Italian healthcare system and promote a culture of psychological health through disseminating results to the general public.