The Rivista di Psicologia Clinica, as its twenty-five Manzonian readers may remember, survived "on paper" for fifteen years. Between 1982 and 1997, with two short pauses for its growing pains, it brought out 41 issues.
It gave rise to an interesting debate on the definition, methodology, epistemology and practice of Clinical Psychology.
It was edited by Mario Bertini, Renzo Canestrari and Renzo Carli.

The last editorial ended with these words: "Until we meet our good friends again, this time on the Net".
And now, a little later but full of hope, here we are on the net.

Our aim is to stimulate a new balance between the empirical and the theoretical, between practice and model-building, in an area of Psychology, the clinical side, where there is the systematic risk that reflections are confined to the space of the separate theoretical – practical areas, at the expense of new avenues and of debate. This is why we believe it is important to think about the basic issues of Clinical Psychology; but equally to deal with the problems clinical psychologists may face with their practice.
We feel that coexistence, with its problems and conflicts, with the hopes for integration and the disappointments stemming from nationalism, fundamentalism, maximalism, conformity, prejudice and egoism, make up the central theme of Clinical Psychology's civil and scientific commitment.
We envisage a journal that discusses concepts like psychotherapy, treatment, healing, illness, malaise and psychopathology, arousing debate and never taking anything for granted.
We envisage a journal that deals with the issue of research in Clinical Psychology, inspiring the presentation of experiences and methodologies, and the examination of their epistemological and scientific foundations.

In the past the Rivista di Psicologia Clinica targeted an Italian readership.
Our intention now is to open up to Europe and more generally to those in the various countries who are interested in discussing the problems of our discipline and our profession

The Rivista di Psicologia Clinica (RPC) will be:
on line
free
in Italian and English

Its distribution will be as wide as possible. Every reader is invited to help us to spread the word by bringing to our attention the email addresses of individuals, organizations and institutions interested in receiving the journal.

The Review's Scientific Committee has received support from prestigious figures, which have given us strength to face the venture. This may be even greater in the near future, with fresh Italian and foreign contributions.
The Scientific Committee will also act as referee group to assess the papers sent in to the journal.

In this first issue we have invited colleagues to write about the present state of Clinical Psychology in its broadest sense, highlighting problems and hopes, definitions and reflections on this discipline and this profession in our country. Other papers written in response to our invitation will be published in the second issue

Elsewhere in the journal, the Editorial Committee will set out the editorial guidelines and instructions for downloading and consultation.

The Board of Management wishes you all good reading.

Rome, 6 May 2006

The Board of Management is composed of: