The psychological therapy market - Italy (2023)

1.2 The global market

the global behavioral therapies market reached a value of $***.* billion in ****, with growth projected to reach a size of $***.* billion by ****. This means growth at a compound annual rate (***) of *.* percent over the period from **** to ****. Globally, the region dominating the behavioral therapy market in **** is North America, registering **% of the behavioral therapy market share. The Asia-Pacific region, on the other hand, will register a CAGR of about *.*% from **** to ****, becoming another crucial player in this market.[***]

Global outlook for the psychological therapy market World, ****-****, $ billion Acumen

The psychological therapy market has faced a significant increase caused by the massive presence of mental health-related disorders, which have led to an increased awareness by patients of the benefits provided by therapies. In addition, the growing demand for telemedicine services and government initiatives related to funding for mental health services have facilitated access to this type of care. Specifically, today's polity debate places considerable emphasis on the prevention of mental health problems, leading to the continued development of innovative therapies to treat the disorders. However, much room also remains for critical market issues, characterized by high costs of therapy services and the entrenched stigma associated with seeking this type of care.

North ...

1.3 The local market

In order to learn about local market trends, consider data on the incomes of Italian psychologists in ****, where there is a significant increase. These data were collected through the tax returns submitted by those who practice as freelancers, including in conjunction with a salaried job. The information refers only to income from self-employed professional activity. Income for the year **** is analyzed here in comparison with that of **** (***) in the year **** during the pandemic.[***]

Average net incomes of Italian psychologists Italy, ****-****, thousands of € ENPAP

**** **** **** % change from previous year *,**% -*,**% **,**% Analysis of average net income top five Italian regions by increase Although income growth has been more significant in some regions than others, there is an increase in income (***).[***] Average income top five Italian regions by increase Italy, ****-****, thousands of € ENPAP Overall turnover The total turnover of the Category, calculated as the sum total of supplementary contributions based on tax returns, increased significantly during ****, standing at about *.* billion euros. This represents a remarkable increase, with more than ** percent growth over the previous year, when turnover remained at *.** billion euros. This marked growth highlights the robustness of the sector and its significant contribution to the economy in FY****.[***]

1.4 Impact of Covid-19

According to a recent scientific study released today by the World Health Organization (***) and decreased physical activity, resulting in increased body weight, are reported.[***].

**% of the Italian population developed depressive symptoms during the pandemic

Even before the start of the pandemic, mood-related disorders, anxiety and depression were entrenched within the Italian population. According to the World Health Organization (***) compared to the same period in ****. The groups most exposed to deleterious psychological effects include doctors and nurses who fought on the front lines against the pandemic, as well as victims of domestic abuse in the lockdown months and all those who through interpersonal isolation developed addictions.

Covid, interpersonal relationships and work

A study conducted by the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Humanitas University shows how the Covid-** pandemic had a significant impact on the psychological and emotional sphere of individuals. The study, based on a sample of *,*** people, found that during the pandemic period ** percent of respondents noticed a deterioration in their relationships with their partners, ** percent with their children. Fifty percent of the sample revealed that they experienced an increase in perceived fatigue while performing work activities, while ** percent of students reported a significant decline in concentrating in study.

Impact ...

2.1 Demand characteristics

Italians' psychological well-being is struggling to fully recover in the post-pandemic period. In fact, compared to ****, more than one in four people, corresponding to **%, believe their situation has worsened, while **% say it has remained the same and only **% have noticed an improvement. Overall, the balance of these perceptions stands at -** percent, with the worst negative impacts showing up mainly in the **-** age group, as well as among individuals older than **.

Among the main sources of stress, the economic situation ranks first for both sexes, with ** percent of respondents considering it the most influential factor, although with a slight prevalence among men compared to women (***).[***]

Main sources of stress among Italians Italy, ****, % CNOP

According to a detailed report by the European Commission, Italy has *** psychologists per ***,*** inhabitants compared to ** in France and *** in Germany. Unlike in other European countries, there are many professionals, but the number of psychological services remains small. In fact, there are ** million Italians with mental health problems, but only * to ** percent decide to meet with a professional. The percentage drops further to * to * percent if we talk about those who follow treatment - either psychotherapy or medications prescribed by the psychiatrist. Compared to the French who ...

2.2 Factors influencing demand

The decision to seek help from a psychologist is often accompanied by several challenges and concerns. One of the main obstacles is the fear of starting a course of therapy, which, in many cases, can extend over a significant period of time, with no prior determination of the exact number of sessions needed to achieve tangible benefits. This uncertainty about the duration of the course of treatment can generate anxiety and hesitancy in embarking on the therapeutic journey. In addition, the economic aspect is another significant barrier. Many people are concerned about the cost of sessions with a psychologist and fear that it may become an unsustainable financial burden in the long term. This concern can lead many people to forgo or delay access to psychological services from which they could benefit; in fact, although one-tenth of Italians wish to seek support from a psychologist, they are often forced to forgo this step due to economic constraints. This finding is clear from a survey conducted by the Piepoli Institute for the National Council of the Order of Psychologists (***) on a representative sample of the Italian population of men and women over the age of **.[***]

Italians' opinions

The international survey conducted by ...

2.3 Geographical distribution of demand

Geographical distribution patients

During ****, psychiatric users assisted by specialist services amounted to ***,*** units (***).[***]

Professionals in Italian regions

In Italy, the presence of psychology professionals is indeed significant, with the number exceeding **,*** psychologists, according to research conducted by ENPAP (***). This underscores the wide spread of specialists in the field of mental health throughout the country, which is an important support for the population. In detail, the Lombardy region emerges as the place where the largest number of psychologists is concentrated, with an extraordinary presence of about **,*** professionals. In second place is Lazio, with a solid community of about *,*** psychologists, while Veneto has about *,*** specialists in the field of psychology. Piedmont follows closely, with a presence of about *,*** psychologists. These data highlight the geographic distribution of psychology professionals in Italy, highlighting how more populous and urban regions tend to host a larger number of experts in the field of mental health. The widespread presence of psychologists is a positive element in ensuring adequate and widespread access to psychological support services throughout the country.[***]

Geographical distribution of antidepressant consumption in Italy

The consumption of antidepressants in different regions is a significant figure that reflects various socio-economic and cultural aspects of Italy. In particular, a ...

2.4 The great taboo of the psychologist in Italy

In Italy, traditionally, psychology and the figure of the psychologist was seen simply as a way to treat mental illnesses. In common feeling, the psychotherapist deals with less serious illnesses, unlike the psychiatrist who treats all the more serious pathologies, even with the help of drugs. Psychology, in fact, does not simply focus on the treatment of pathology but on the development of the psychic dimension, offering support at different stages of life. Discomfort and disorders are the result of poorly regulated balances, which can go into crisis or break down.

For the past few years, citizens have increasingly recognized the benefits related to this path, understanding that it is not just a treatment of a disorder; in ****, at the CNOP survey, when asked "what does the psychologist do?", Italians answered (***):

promoting well-being help people live better lives preventing discomfort and disorders treating mental disorders

The real cultural turning point, however, is due to the action of young people to want to face their discomforts, talking about them and dealing with them with greater awareness, breaking the wall of shame rooted for too many years in Italian culture. In the UNICEF survey "The Future We Want ," young people claim the need ...

3.1 Market structure and size

Below is a graph showing the trend in the number of registered psychologists from **** to ****. The most recent figure is for the year ****, and no subsequent data are currently available. It shows a steady increase in the number of registered persons over this decade, starting from **,*** registered persons in **** and reaching a total of ***,*** registered persons in ****, which represents a significant percentage growth (***).[***]

Registered Psychologists Italy, ****-****, in numbers National Council of Order of Psychologists

Some of the reasons for significant growth in the number of registered psychologists may be:

Growing Demand for Psychological Services: An increase in demand for psychological services may lead more individuals to seek training and careers in psychology to meet this growing demand. Increased A wareness of Mental Health: Growing awareness of the importance of mental health may lead more individuals to consider psychology as a career and access psychological services. Destigmatization of Mental Health: recent years have witnessed increased openness and destigmatization of mental health, which may push more people to seek help and consider psychology as a profession. Development of New Specializations: the evolution of the field of psychology may lead to the creation of new specializations or areas of interest, which may attract ...

3.2 Value Chain

Clinical psychologists

Clinical psychologists assess and treat mental and emotional disorders. Some clinical psychologists specialize in specific disorders: depression, eating disorders, anxiety, personality disorders.

Psychotherapists

Psychotherapy is a clinical intervention model that offers psychological support; usually treating purely everyday problems, problems in interpresonal relationships, or emotional problems.

Educational psychologists

Focuses on the processes involved in learning and the individuals and roles played by actors in the educational field, as well as the environment in which this learning takes place.

Developmental psychologists

They often work as educational psychologists because learning is part of the individual's development. This type of psychology, however, includes not only children or adolescents, but also includes old age.

Experimental psychologists and other researchers

Their main methodology is to perform tests and experiments to gain new knowledge about different psychological aspects or phenomena.

Neuropsychologists

In the applied field, they work in cognitive, behavioral and emotional rehabilitation of a patient with brain damage, or in early diagnosis and intervention in dementia.

Social psychologists

They study and work on human behavior and psychological factors, which influence the social, community or group environment. They are interested in aspects such as interpersonal, intergroup and intergroup relations.

Organizational and occupational psychologists

They usually work ...

3.3 The network of mental health services

The Department of Mental Health (***).The DSM is equipped with the following services:

day care services: the Mental Health Centers (***) semiresidential services: the Day Care Centers (***) residential services: residential facilities (***) divided into therapeutic-rehabilitation and socio-rehabilitation residences hospital services: the Psychiatric Diagnostic and Treatment Services (***).

Care provision is complemented by University Clinics and private nursing homes.

Mental Health Center (***)

The main point of reference for citizens facing mental health problems in the territory, it is responsible for coordinating all prevention, treatment and rehabilitation activities for people with psychiatric disorders. The CSM is managed by a multiprofessional team that includes at least one psychiatrist, one psychologist, one social worker, and one professional nurse. Its main responsibilities and services include:

psychiatric treatments and psychotherapies: The CSM offers a variety of treatments to address mental disorders, including psychiatric therapies and psychotherapies. social interventions: Provides social support services to help patients cope with challenges related to their disorders. placements in Day Care Centers and Residential Facilities: Helps patients access facilities such as day care centers or day hospitals for continuity of care. diagnostic activities: Includes psychiatric examinations and psychological interviews to establish appropriate therapeutic and rehabilitation programs. collaboration with general practitioners: Provides psychiatric consultation to family ...

3.4 Main actors

The psychology market is a growing sector with a wide range of players contributing to its operation and evolution. Du follows a brief presentation of the main companies operating in the sector:

Faber Social Cooperative Society: deals with the promotion of educational activities aimed at the creation of an optimal communicative and relational social environment.The main services that are offered are: housing community for minors, family mediation, horticultural therapy and pet therapy. Adolescent therapy center Soc. Coop. Sociale a e.l. onlus: CTA is an organization that specializes in the diagnosis, support and treatment of psychological and relational problems involving children, adolescents and adults, with a special focus on those who have gone through difficult or traumatic experiences. The organization offers a wide range of services, including psychotherapy interventions, psychological support and counseling, in order to improve the psychological well-being of their clients. CTA's team of professionals consists of psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, educators, mediators and counselors. This team has developed a unique approach that integrates the relational systemic model with the latest findings from Attachment Theory and its clinical applications. This combination offers new insights into innovative and highly effective approaches in psychological therapies and support. CCNP St. Paul ...

4.1 Type of Offering

The various types of psychotherapeutic approaches

Depending on the distress being treated, each psychotherapist uses a different therapeutic model, where the distress and disorder is treated through a particular organization of therapy. We speak of a psychotherapeutic approach when we mean a certain theoretical and practical methodology aimed at offering concrete support through the teaching of tools and behavioral patterns that the patient can use on a daily basis. The most widely used psychological and psychotherapeutic approaches are:

Psychoanalysis: Psychoanalysis or Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on the unconscious as the origin and development of psychological symptoms and suffering. It is a method of inquiry that focuses on the analysis of the individual's mental processes, processes that are not usually accessible to consciousness. This therapeutic approach guides the patient on a journey of inner exploration that aims to uncover aspects of the self that are often hidden or unclear. Systemic Relational Psychotherapy: Systemic Relational Psychotherapy represents a psychotherapeutic approach that interprets the patient's suffering as a symptom of the relational system in which he or she is immersed. The main goal of this therapy is to improve the quality of relationships between the various members of the system, ...

4.2 Prices

In the context of psychological services, it is necessary to establish a clear and regulated framework for determining fees. Below are the main points regarding fees for psychological services:

Professional Performances and Fees: for professional services provided by a psychologist registered in Section A of the Register, in accordance with Presidential Decree ***/**, payment of the fees indicated in the attached table, in addition to reimbursement of documented expenses, is provided. Adjustment of Fees: minimum and maximum fees will be adjusted annually according to the change in the applicable minimum ISTAT fee. In addition, in agreements with public and private entities involving professional services for entire categories of subjects, the minimum may be reduced within **%. Determination of the Fee: The determination of the fee between the maximum and the established minimum can take into account various factors, including the complexity of the service required, the client's membership in categories with conventions, the urgency of the service, and the socioeconomic situation of the client. In addition, the psychologist may reduce the fee or waive it if the service is not performed due to the client's failure to keep the appointment. Types of Fees: fees can be distinguished into two types: percentage fees, based ...

4.3 Online psychology

online therapy represents a new frontier of psychological care, useful for bringing the patient closer to the therapist and ensuring the possibility of sessions at any time. This is carried out through the help of certain technological means, such as:

video calls: it can take place through Skype or Hangouts, for example. This mode is the most similar to an in-person session because all visual and nonverbal context is maintained: this can help communication and establish a stronger bond; online chat: the session takes place through a written chat with a psychologist. Communication will be smooth and efficient for those who prefer to write rather than talk. This mode can also simply be an initial contact before deciding to implement a video call session; calls: a phone session is perfect for those who feel more comfortable talking without direct eye contact. Again, the phone session, can be used as a first contact before deciding to move to a video call session at a later time.

The online presence of Italians in ****

According to the study published by Hootsuite and We Are Social, the total Italian population connected to the Internet is **.*%. **.*% of Italians use social networks (***) and **.*% use video calls monthly ...

5.1 Regulatory framework

The profession of psychologist is regulated by two main laws, Law **/**** and Law */****. Law **/**** defines the psychologist's scope of practice, which includes prevention, diagnosis, habilitation, rehabilitation, and support in the field of psychology, targeting individuals, groups, social bodies, and communities. it is important to note that psychotherapy, regulated by Article * of Law **/****, can be practiced by both psychologists and physicians, but only after completing a specialized post-graduate course.

A psychologist, even if he or she does not specialize in psychotherapy, can perform clinical or health care activities independently, in both clinical and nonclinical settings, including with individuals who present with psychopathological symptoms. However, these professionals must comply with the limits defined by Law **/**** and Article * of the Code of Ethics, which require the use of theoretical and practical tools for which they have adequate competence. In summary, the profession of the psychologist is broad and includes a wide range of activities in the field of psychology. The practice of psychotherapy is an additional specialty and does not limit the psychologist's ability to perform other clinical or health care activities. This provides flexibility and a holistic approach to mental health and psychological well-being.

In addition, it is necessary to analyze the Deontological ...

5.2 State grants

The Psychological Bonus of **** represents financial support provided by the state, with a maximum amount of €*,***, to cover expenses associated with psychotherapy sessions, as established by the Budget Law of ****. The bonus was created to ensure access to psychotherapy sessions for those experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, and psychological distress as a result of the Covid-** pandemic (***). The measure, therefore, was created to counteract the effects of the ****-**** health and social crisis of a large number of people, seeking to heed the resulting spike in requests for psychological support. To qualify for the bonus, no age limit is required, only an economic parameter, namely a valid Indicator of Equivalent Economic Situation (***) of less than **,*** euros. This criterion is designed to ensure that financial support is targeted to those who are in such financial difficulties that they cannot afford the costs of psychological treatment on their own. The amount of the bonus vaira based on the ISEE band to which the applicant belongs: the lower the applicant's ISEE, the higher the amount of the contribution. The bonus is disbursed only once to beneficiaries. For ****, specific ISEE brackets and their corresponding amounts have not yet been published at this time. In ****, for example, ...

6.1 Segmentation of actors

Italian companies:

Foreign companies:

• Faber Società Cooperativa Sociale
• Centro terapia dell'adolescenza Soc. Coop. Sociale a e.l. onlus
• Acadia Healthcare
• Universal Health Services