Dr. Harbinger is most likely conducting an efficacy study.
An efficacy study aims to test whether a specific treatment works under ideal conditions, such as when participants are carefully selected and the treatment is delivered in a standardized manner. This type of study typically involves randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where participants are randomly assigned to a treatment or control group and outcomes are carefully measured and analyzed.
In the scenario described, Dr. Harbinger is carefully screening potential participants to ensure they fit strict diagnostic criteria, which suggests that he is aiming to test the efficacy of the new psychotherapy treatment under ideal conditions.