The pediatric care unit at the Vall d’Hebron hospital in Spain has introduced an innovative approach to treating adolescents admitted for mental health disorders: dog therapy. Since April, a dedicated team of five dogs has been integrated into therapeutic sessions, providing a unique form of support designed to help young patients regulate their emotions, enhance their self-esteem, and alleviate anxiety. This initiative comes at a critical time, as the hospital's pediatric psychiatric emergency department has witnessed an exponential rise in self-harm related admissions over the past eight years, with cases escalating from 20.4% between 2015 and 2017 to a staggering 50% to 70% in recent times.

Bàrbara Citoler, a clinical psychologist and the unit’s direct therapy supervisor, highlighted the profound benefits of this animal-assisted intervention. Speaking to the Catalan News Agency (ACN), Citoler explained that the therapy plays a crucial role in strengthening patients’ social skills, which are often significantly impaired due to the challenging stage of life they are experiencing. She further elaborated that these children and teenagers may perceive human relationships as "aggressive," and spending time with dogs can effectively counter this negative perception, fostering a sense of trust and connection. Each session is carefully managed by two specialized handlers, alongside two golden retrievers, three Jack Russell Terriers, and a nurse who meticulously collects clinical information to monitor progress. Citoler also noted the evident excitement patients display during the dogs' visits, adding that these sessions contribute to a more relaxed environment for the hospital staff as well.

To rigorously evaluate the therapy’s effectiveness, a comprehensive study is currently underway, spearheaded by Dr. Marc Ferrer and Professor Núria Máximo. This research involves a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including experts in nursing, clinical psychology, psychiatry, and academics from the Chair of Animals and Society at Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid. Participants complete questionnaires before and after each session, allowing researchers to assess key indicators such as anxiety levels and mood changes. While the full results are anticipated for publication next year, initial findings are already proving tangible and promising. Máximo, who leads the study, shared with ACN that the "animal team immediately breaks the hospital’s daily routine because dogs do not judge. They do not care about your appearance, race, size, or color. They treat you honestly." She underscored that the presence of the dogs significantly boosts patient motivation, which is an essential element for achieving therapeutic goals in mental health treatment.