The International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health (International Institute) is a postdoctoral Institute of the Babes-Bolyai University (BBU), located in Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania-Romania. More precisely, the International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health is the spearhead of the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy of the Babes-Bolyai University, at the international level.

Babes-Bolyai University is one of the oldest, most prestigious, and influential academic settings in Romania and in Eastern-Central Europe. It has been almost five centuries since the beginnings of this university of Cluj-Napoca. The first project to set up a higher education institution in Cluj-Napoca was recorded in 1565, and in 1581 an academic college was set up, organized and run by the Jesuits. Since then Babes-Bolyai University has become a modern institution, acquiring remarkable fame by its long-time achievements at national and international levels.

The International Institute aims to promote advanced study and scholarship in psychotherapy and applied mental health by postdoctoral training and research, following a scientist-practitioner paradigm. It offers training in evidence-based psychotherapies and other mental health applications, for those who have already been awarded a doctoral degree in mental health or related areas, relevant to psychotherapy and other applied mental health interventions.

The International Institute's fundamental mission is to promote evidence-based assessment and treatments for:

(1) mental and physical disorders involving psychological etiopathogenetic factors; and
(2) human development.

Mental disorders are one of the leading causes of disability and a tragic contributor to mortality, with suicide representing one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. According to the landmark "Global Burden of Disease" study, commissioned by the World Health Organization and the World Bank, 4 of the 10 leading causes of disability for people aged 5 and older are mental disorders. Among developed nations, twenty eight percent of the adult population and twenty one percent of children meet the full criteria for a mental disorder (Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General, 1999). Billions of dollars are spent annually for the treatment of mental disorders and for research in order to develop better treatments and improved services for diverse clinical populations.

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the integration of best research evidence, based on controlled clinical studies, with clinical expertise and patient values. The number of articles on EBM has grown exponentially during recent years, and international interest has led to the development of several influential EBM journals that summarize the most relevant studies for clinical practice.

The field of psychotherapy research is now at a stage where the efficacy and effectiveness of treatments have been demonstrated for a large spectrum of disorders (see American Psychological Association, Division 12). The International Institute will make a priority of finding and disseminating evidence-based assessment strategies and treatment approaches.

The International Institute will invite as affiliates/partners prestigious organizations involved in the development of evidence-based psychotherapy and applied mental health interventions. Albert Ellis Institute, New-York, USA, is our first partner.