Forest-based Care Protocol: theory → practice

• Milestone — Steering Committee constituted; WP leads confirmed.

• D1.1.1 — Forest-based treatments for adolescents: a comprehensive report on existing practices.
• D1.1.2 — Forest-based treatments for adolescents: a comprehensive report on existing practices.
• D1.1.3 — Policy brief for psychiatric institutions, environmental agencies, governments.
• D1.1.4 — Academic publications.

• D1.3.1 — Report on VR in Forest Therapy for Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorder
• D1.3.2 — VR Forest-based protocol framework

• D1.4.1 — Therapeutic forest framework for adolescents with mental health conditions

• D1.5.1 — Summary of the joint strategy Forest-based Care Protocol for adolescents with psychiatric conditions

• D2.1.1 — 4 local focus groups
• D2.1.2 — Assessment grids
• D2.1.3 — Joint report on the focus groups

• D2.2.1 — Clinical eligibility framework for forest-based therapy
• D2.2.2 — Implementation of trials of forest-based therapies: implementation report

• D2.3.1 — Joint method to select forest sites suitable for therapeutic purposes
• D2.3.2 — Certification framework

• D2.4.1 — Identification of 8 forest sites to implement pilot protocol
• D2.4.2 — Recommendations for setting up therapeutic forests in NWE countries

• D2.5.1 — Clinical conditions report for VR eligibility
• D2.5.2 — Implementation of a pilot VR-based protocol for adolescents with mental health conditions
• D2.5.3 — Comparative study: VR vs real forest
• D2.5.4 — Design of VR natural environments specific to the project

• D2.6.1 — Medium- and long-term impact of Forest-Based Therapy
• D2.6.2 — Evaluation and guide for psychiatrists
• D2.6.3 — Policy brief

To create lasting change in forest-based therapy interventions across the EU, short-term assessments are not enough. Medium- and long-term evaluations are necessary. This healthcare research framework promotes collaboration among stakeholders to examine the broader impacts, efficiency, and real-world functioning of interventions. It encourages a multi-perspective approach to refine interventions for meaningful implementation.

• D2.7.1 — Implementation of 4 study visits
• D2.7.2 — Reports from 4 study visits of pilot territories

During these visits, participants will explore psychiatric institutions for adolescents, therapeutic forests promoting mental health, and engage with local experts. These exchanges will encourage knowledge sharing and cross-cultural collaboration.

• D2.8.1 — Reference centre implementation plan
• D2.8.2 — Pilot reference centres

This activity aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and scalability of the therapeutic forest model by establishing dedicated reference centres for forest-based therapy in each participating country. These centres will act as national hubs for expertise, resources, and innovation in using forests for adolescent mental health treatment. They will serve as contact points for mental health professionals, foresters, policymakers, and families interested in developing and implementing forest-based therapy protocols for adolescents with mental health conditions.

• D3.1.1 — Report on training needs
• D3.1.2 — Joint training curriculum targeting mental health professionals and foresters
• D3.1.3 — Implementation of pilot trainings with mix groups of foresters and health professionals
• D3.1.4 — Implementation of training sessions of trainers

• D3.2.1 — Training workshops
• D3.2.2 — Teaching Platform

• D3.3.1 — Forest-based Protocol: a Technical guide

The guide will provide practical advice and recommendations, ensuring consistent and effective implementation of forest-based therapeutic interventions for adolescents with mental health conditions.

• D3.4.1 — Advocacy document: tailored guidelines for policy makers
• D3.4.2 — Policy forums

The document's promotion will include policy forums targeting its primary users - policymakers and authorities.