The FLT-STEP study investigates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of low-intensity psychotherapeutic treatments for depression and anxiety in Finnish primary care. More than 2,000 patients are planned to be recruited from ten wellbeing services counties into a randomized controlled trial. The study compares brief cognitive therapy, guided self-help, and internet-delivered therapy, and follows participants' recovery, use of services, and employment status for a minimum of five years. Outcomes will be assessed using both self-reported measures and national register data to evaluate impacts on, for example, work ability, income level, and overall health status. The study will produce reliable scientific knowledge that can be used to improve access to evidence-based psychosocial treatments. The study is coordinated by HUS Psychiatry in collaboration with the Universities of Turku, Tampere and Helsinki, and wellbeing services counties.

2026

2029