OPEN-MIND Project
Opening Doors to Mental Health
Matching Patients and Psychotherapists for Better Therapy Outcomes
Project Objectives
The OPEN-MIND project aims to systematically investigate matching strategies in adult psychotherapy by identifying preference-sensitive matching variables in therapy matching that will establish a theory-driven matching model and test it in a European multicenter setting.
Methodology
The OPEN-MIND project will develop a comprehensive framework for patient-psychotherapist matching that integrates both scientific evidence and individual preferences to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Current Research Phase: Scoping Review
We are currently conducting a comprehensive scoping review titled Matching Strategies in Adult Psychotherapy: A Scoping Review of Concepts and Applications to establish the foundation for our research.
This scoping review aims to summarise and cluster the existing evidence, and propose a unified definition of matching in a psychotherapeutic context.
Upcoming Research Phases
Qualitative Study
Interviews with different patient types to refine matching criteria.
Quantitative Study
Operationalization and testing of the matching criteria model.
Practical Implementation
Consolidation of results, practical implications, and development of final matching model for clinical use.
Expected Outcomes
- ✓Validated theoretical matching model for clinical practice
- ✓Enhanced mental healthcare delivery across Europe through personalized therapy options
- ✓Standard framework for sustainable integration into clinical practice
Gender and Diversity
The project recognizes that accessibility and effectiveness of psychotherapy can vary significantly across different societal factors, including gender, age, and cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. To address these disparities, the project will systematically examine diverse backgrounds to influence engagement and outcome processes.