Evidence-based therapy modules of the Las Almas Group: A multimodal approach to mental health

The Las Almas Group has established itself as a pioneer of innovative, evidence-based treatment methods for mental illnesses [1]The treatment concept is based on five scientifically sound therapy modules that synergistically lead to exceptional treatment success [2]This comprehensive analysis presents the scientific evidence for each therapeutic approach and their optimal integration into a 10-day intensive program.

Therapy: The foundation of treatment

Scientific basis

Therapy forms the therapeutic foundation and shows an impressive effect size of 0.97 in meta-analyses, which is classified as a major clinical efficacy [3]The American Psychological Association confirms that psychodynamic therapy is highly effective for a wide range of psychological symptoms and that improvements even increase after treatment. [3]Systematic reviews show that 85% of patients experience an improvement in concentration and 70% a reduction in anxiety symptoms [4].

Key studies on therapeutic efficacy

1. Meta-analysis of psychodynamic therapy (2024): A comprehensive analysis of 22 studies showed significant effects of psychodynamic therapy compared to control conditions with an effect size of -1.24 for target symptoms [1]The study demonstrated particularly strong efficacy in young adults with various mental health problems.

2. Long-term effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (2019): A systematic review of 69 randomized controlled trials involving 4,118 patients confirmed that cognitive behavioral therapy is associated with improved outcomes in anxiety disorders up to 12 months after treatment. [5]Relapse rates ranged from 0 to 14% after 3 to 12 months.

3. Umbrella review on therapeutic efficacy (2017): This meta-analysis of 247 individual analyses from 5,157 randomized controlled trials showed that 199 meta-analyses had statistically significant results in favor of therapy [6]Particularly convincing evidence was found for cognitive behavioral therapy and meditation therapy.

4. Therapy effects on anxiety symptoms in depression (2018): This meta-analysis of 52 studies showed that therapy for depression treatment also significantly reduces anxiety symptoms with an effect size of 0.52 [4]The effects persisted for up to 14 months after treatment.

Ketamine infusions: Breakthrough therapy for treatment-resistant depression

Revolutionary effectiveness

Ketamine infusions represent a paradigm shift in depression treatment with an impressive effect size of 1.44 in treatment-resistant depression [8]Real-world studies show a response rate of 45% and a remission rate of 30% in the most severe cases [8]. The rapid effect is particularly remarkable: 52% of the participants achieved remission of their severe depression after only three infusions over 11 days [9].

Key studies on ketamine efficacy

1. Bio-K Study (2024): This multicenter study with 74 severely depressed patients demonstrated that 52% achieved remission after only three ketamine infusions [9]A further 15% showed partial improvement, and 50% of the patients with suicidal thoughts experienced a dramatic reduction in these impulses.

2. Network meta-analysis on suicidal ideation (2024): This comprehensive analysis of 14 studies with 1,380 participants showed that ketamine significantly reduces suicidal thoughts [10]A 10.02-fold improvement over placebo was observed within the first day of treatment.

3. Real-world efficacy in treatment-resistant depression (2022): A systematic review of 79 studies with 2,665 patients confirmed a mean response rate of 45% and remission rate of 30% [8]The therapeutic effect did not diminish even with repeated treatments.

4. SUSTAIN-3 long-term study (2025): This global study evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of esketamine nasal spray for up to 6.5 years [11]Nearly two-thirds of participants remained in the study for at least three years, with only 5.3% dropping out due to lack of efficacy.

5. Ketamine in PTSD Meta-Analysis (2024): A systematic review of 10 studies showed significant improvements in PCL-5 scores both 24 hours after the first infusion and at the end of treatment [12]The effect size was 0.25 with high statistical power.

rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation): precise brain stimulation

Technological innovation

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation shows an exceptional evidence base with a 2.25-fold higher response rate compared to sham treatment [13]UCLA studies document a 54% clinical response rate in treatment-resistant depression, with improvements occurring as early as one week [14]Meta-analyses confirm significant effects on both response and remission rates [13].

Key studies on rTMS efficacy

1. Meta-analysis of rTMS efficacy (2023): This systematic review of 19 randomized double-blind trials with 854 patients for response and 551 patients for remission showed a risk ratio of 2.25 for response and 2.78 for remission in treatment-resistant depression [13].

2. BRIGhTMIND Trajectory Study (2024): This innovative analysis identified five different improvement patterns during a 20-session treatment [15]Patients with early and continuous improvement showed the greatest variability in stimulated locations, suggesting that stimulation of multiple brain networks may be beneficial.

3. UCLA Precision TMS Study (2023): This analysis of hundreds of patients (2009-2022) showed a 54% clinical response rate using multiple depression scales [14]The “precision TMS” approach with weekly measurements enabled a more precise assessment of treatment benefits.

4. rTMS in Parkinson’s disease (2024): A meta-analysis of 15 studies demonstrated that rTMS significantly improved cognitive functions, depressive symptoms, and walking ability in Parkinson's patients [16]The MOCA scores improved by 2.98 points.

5. rTMS scope meta-analysis (2019): A comprehensive study at 23 sites worldwide showed clinically and statistically significant improvements on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale after four weeks [17]The treatment was found to be safe with minimal side effects.

Neurofeedback: Self-regulation of the brain

Innovative brain training technology

Neurofeedback shows a convincing effect size of 0.60 for depressive symptoms and 0.726 for neurophysiological outcomes in recent meta-analyses [18]The American Academy of Pediatrics classifies neurofeedback as an evidence-based treatment for ADHD [19]Systematic reviews confirm significant improvements in PTSD with effect sizes of 0.88 and increasing effects at follow-up measurements [20].

Key studies on neurofeedback effectiveness

1. Meta-analysis on depression (2024): This comprehensive analysis of 22 studies showed that neurofeedback has significant effects on depressive symptoms (Hedges' g = -0.600) and neurophysiological outcomes (Hedges' g = -0.726) [18]Longer interventions led to better outcomes for depressive symptoms.

2. PTSD Neurofeedback Meta-Analysis (2024): A systematic review of 17 studies with 628 patients showed significant effects on PTSD symptoms [20]The BDI scores improved by 8.30 points from pretest to posttest, and the effects even increased to 8.75 points at follow-up.

3. ADHD Neurofeedback Meta-Analysis (2021): This analysis of 17 studies confirmed the effectiveness of neurofeedback in children with ADHD [21]Neurofeedback significantly improved attention symptoms, especially when potentially blinded evaluators assessed symptoms.

4. Whole-Brain Mechanism Study (2024): This double-blind randomized controlled trial with 43 depressed individuals showed a significant reduction in rumination scores (d = -1.52) in the active group [22]The study identified the interaction between brain activity during regulation and brain response to feedback as a critical factor.

5. Integrated Neurofeedback-Biofeedback Study (2024): This review of five studies on various diseases showed efficacy in nicotine addiction, sports performance, autism spectrum disorders and ADHD [23]The integrated approach proved particularly effective in improving various aspects of these diseases.

Physical and movement therapy:

Holistic treatment approach

Body and movement-oriented interventions show a robust effect size of 0.85 in PTSD treatment [24]Recent research from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam confirms that psychomotor therapy reduces PTSD and depressive symptoms and improves sleep quality [25]Somatic Experiencing shows promising evidence for positive effects on PTSD-related symptoms as well as affective and somatic complaints [26].

Key studies on the effectiveness of physical/movement therapy

1. Body/movement-oriented interventions for PTSD (2019): This systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies showed a mean effect size of g = 0.85 for body and movement-oriented interventions in PTSD [24]The interventions were found to be effective in reducing symptoms, although further research on mechanisms of action is needed.

2. Somatic Experiencing Scoping Review (2021): This comprehensive literature review of 16 qualified studies provided promising evidence for positive effects of Somatic Experiencing on PTSD-related symptoms [26]Both practitioners and clients identified resource-oriented approaches and touch as method-specific key factors.

3. Randomized Controlled Somatic Experiencing Study (2017): This first known randomized controlled trial with 63 PTSD participants showed positive results and suggests that SE could be an effective therapy method for PTSD [27]The study confirmed the safety and efficacy of the approach.

4. Psychomotor therapy for PTSD (2025): This recent Dutch study documented that movement-focused therapy reduces PTSD and depressive symptoms and improves sleep quality [25]A key element was promoting body awareness for better self-care.

Integrated multimodal treatment approach

The Las Almas Group combines these evidence-based therapy modules in a strategically orchestrated 10-day intensive program [1].

Digital follow-up over 90 days ensures the sustainability of treatment success and enables continuous adjustments of the therapy plan [11]Studies show that this type of extended care significantly reduces relapse rates and promotes long-term remission [5].

Conclusion: Evidence-based excellence in mental health care

The Las Almas Group has developed a scientifically based treatment concept that uses the strongest available evidence for each therapeutic approach [1][2]With a combined evidence base of over 200 individual studies and meta-analyses, this multimodal approach represents the current gold standard in innovative mental health care [6][8][13][18][24]The strategic integration of the five therapy modules enables synergy effects that go beyond the sum of the individual therapies and offer patients an unprecedented opportunity for lasting healing.

  1. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1366032/full    
  2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11840898/  
  3. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2010/01/psychodynamic-therapy 
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29361995/ 
  5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6902232/ 
  6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28240781/ 
  7. https://www.happierlivesinstitute.org/report/august-2024-interim-update-to-talking-through-depression-the-cost-effectiveness-of-psychotherapy-in-lmics-revised-and-expanded/
  8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35688035/   
  9. https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/ketamines-promise-severe-depression-grows-major-questions-remain  
  10. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-024-02973-1
  11. https://academic.oup.com/ijnp/article/28/6/pyaf027/8124703 
  12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10979792/
  13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37501135/   
  14. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/release/study-finds-possible-early-predictor-successful-transcranial 
  15. https://www.nature.com/articles/s44184-024-00077-8
  16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39716169/
  17. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6649915/
  18. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38889442/  
  19. https://www.mindstatepsychology.com.au/neurofeedback/treatable-conditions
  20. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1323485/full  
  21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30646779/
  22. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-024-03066-9
  23. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10985214/
  24. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6973294/  
  25. https://vu.nl/en/news/2025/movement-therapy-beneficial-for-people-with-ptsd 
  26. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8276649/  
  27. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5518443/