Training in Specific EBPs

Practitioners need specific training in order to provide EBPs. Some states are moving forward to ensure that training and treatment in evidence-based practices are more widely available. Many social work schools in New York are offering more expert training on specific EBPs. In addition, statewide legislation in the State of Oregon will institute evidence-based treatment for children as the standard for all children’s mental health by 2009, thus increasing the need for practitioner training in EBPs. As pre-service education and in-service training on evidence-based treatment in children’s mental health becomes the standard, practitioners will have more opportunities to obtain training in these approaches.

According to Mullen (2004), practitioners must be prepared to engage in evidence-based practices for the benefit of their clients, even when working in non-supportive environments.  In many cases, practitioners may need to advocate for themselves by encouraging the agency leadership to provide training opportunities and to provide time-off for these activities.

Helpful Links:

• To learn about the state of workforce development in behavioral healthcare and the areas that need addressing to assist in the training of practitioners, see http://www.annapoliscoalition.org/index.php
• Helpful websites and resources with detailed information about EBPs and available training may be found in the section on “What are the Evidence-Based Practices”

References:

Mullen, E. J. (2004). Facilitating practitioner use of evidence-based practice. In A. R. Roberts & K. R. Yeager (Eds.), Evidence-Based practice manual: Research and outcome measures in health and human services (pp. 205-210). New York City, NY: Oxford University Press.