CPEClin Psychol Eur Clinical Psychology in EuropeClin. Psychol. Eur. 2625-3410 PsychOpen cpe.18031 10.32872/cpe.18031 Editorial EACLIPT Statement on the Importance of Science and Evidence-Based Treatment for Mental Health EACLIPT Statement on Evidence-Based Mental Health EACLIPT statement on the importance of science and evidence-based treatment for mental health https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3859-9023Martin-SoelchChantal*1 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9220-9244BocktingClaudi234 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1864-1861BreedveltJosefien5 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9683-7416FrostholmLisbeth67 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8301-5798HeinrichsNina8 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3579-2418HirschColette9 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9990-4971PopielAgnieszka10 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7019-2250RiefWinfried11 Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland AmsterdamUMC, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands The Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark Department of Functional Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany Department of Psychology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom Institute of Psychology, SWPS University, Warsaw, Poland Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany University of Fribourg, Department of Psychology, Rue P.-A.-de-Faucigny 2, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland. Phone: +41 26 300 7687. chantal.martinsoelch@unifr.ch 28052025 2025 7 2e18031 2025Martin-Soelch, Bockting, Breedvelt et al.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0 License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

The European Association for Clinical Psychology and psychological treatment (EACLIPT) expresses deep concern regarding current trends concerning science, evidence-based treatment, and the potential threats to mental health.

Recent developments have highlighted a troubling trend of undermining and censuring scientific research and evidence-based practices and propagating false information in medical and psychological care. This shift poses significant risks to the well-being of individuals who rely on scientifically validated treatments for their mental health conditions.

It is crucial to ensure that mental health care remains grounded in rigorous scientific evidence to provide the best possible outcomes for those in need.

The spread of false or misleading information can undermine public trust in legitimate medical research and treatments, leading individuals to seek unproven or harmful alternatives. This is especially concerning for mental disorders, where the complexity of conditions and treatments already makes it challenging to identify solid, evidence-based research. Disinformation can exacerbate these difficulties, creating confusion and skepticism around scientifically validated therapies. Consequently, patients may struggle to access effective care, and healthcare providers may face increased barriers in delivering accurate information and support. Combating disinformation requires robust efforts to promote media literacy, enhance transparency in research, and ensure that credible sources are easily accessible to the public.

We are also deeply concerned about the impact of the current geopolitical situation worldwide on the mental health of individuals. The heightened political tensions, divisive rhetoric, armed conflicts and climate changes have created an environment of uncertainty and stress, which can exacerbate mental health issues.

We call for a renewed commitment to science and the well-being of individuals affected by mental health issues. Together, we can ensure that mental health care remains effective, compassionate, and grounded in the best available evidence. EACLIPT stands in solidarity with mental health professionals and advocates who are working tirelessly to protect and promote evidence-based practices.

Winfried Rief is an Editor-in-Chief and Colette Hirsch is a Subject Editor for Clinical Psychology in Europe. The other authors declare no conflicts of interest that could have influenced the content of this editorial.

The authors have no funding to report.

The authors have no additional (i.e., non-financial) support to report.