STEP 1: Which implementation strategy or strategies are you interested in using?
Hover on each strategy for definitions and examples
Collaboration with Advisory Boards and Workgroups
An advisory board is made up of representatives of multiple roles (e.g., providers, youth, parents/family members, researchers, policy makers). These boards are formed and tasked with reviewing the EBP implementation approach. They provide suggestions for how to improve the approach, and may do some community organizing activities to help gather input and participation from others.
Clinical Supervision
Therapists receive ongoing supervision in their agencies. Therapists and supervisors discuss clients and collaboratively problem solve issues that emerge during treatment using the EBP. The clinical supervisor supports the therapist in using the EBP with fidelity (in other words, doing the EBP the way they were trained to do it and with skill). Supervisors do this by providing mentorship and directing the therapist to other sources of support like online trainings and resources.
EBP Implementation in Novel Setting
EBPs are often delivered outside of formal clinical offices. Many youth do not like having appointments with therapists in agency offices, do not have transportation, or do not like talking face-to-face. Some EBPs originally developed to be delivered by a therapist in an office are being modified so they can be delivered via text or smartphone app. Youth receive a similar type of support, content, and strategies as if they would in an office, but are able to communicate by texting or video chat. Another example of delivering an EBP in a different setting would be if the EBP was delivered in schools, churches, drop-in centers or other community setting.
Mandate Change via Agency or State Policy
The implementation of EBPs is often the result of mandates from agency leadership or state policy. For instance, a state mental health authority determines that it would be beneficial if more mental health providers used EBPs. Since the mental health authority governs how public mental health money is spent, they write new contracts with the mental health providers to specifically require that the providers are trained in and use a certain percentage of EBPs. They might also require regular quality assurance checks through case reviews or observations to ensure that the EBPs are being used with appropriate clients and with fidelity. Another approach that is within an agency occurs when agency leadership decides they want their providers to use an EBP. They work with their board to write agency policy to use the EBP, and tell providers that therapist use the EBP is a priority.
Youth and Caregiver Peer Support Providers
Caregiver and youth peers with lived experience in mental health services often provide peer support to others. One example of peer providers or caregivers who themselves are implementing an EBP is when peers are trained in how to use motivational interviewing skills when providing peer support. These skills could be used by peers to help other youths or caregivers identify their desires and actions to improve their life and better prepare the youth to get the most out of therapy. Another example is training caregiver or youth peer support providers in behavior management skills that could help other parents better manage their children's behavior.
Survey Youth Clients and Families About EBP Implementation
Input from youth and caregivers about mental health service implementation is sometimes gathered using surveys and questionnaires. For instance, an agency implementing a new EBP might use a feedback survey given to all youth clients and caregivers of youth clients who receive the EBP. The agency would regularly review the information from this survey to identify problems with the EBP implementation activities, make adjustments to how it is delivered, and improve implementation.
Clinical Training
Training on how to use an EBP includes online or in-person training with lectures, examples, and opportunities to practice the EBP. Trainees may read the treatment manual, have discussions with fellow trainees, watch case example videos, and practice delivering the EBP through role-play while observed by the trainer.
Using Agency Champions to Spearhead EBP Implementation
Individuals within organizations are often enlisted to champion the implementation efforts among staff within the organization. Prior to implementing a new EBP, individuals within agencies who are passionate about the EBP are identified to support the implementation. These individuals may be “formal” leaders (supervisors) or therapists who are excited and passionate about the EBP. Through collaboration and training, these “champions” help with implementation by providing cheerleading and a positive attitude, ideas for how to move past barriers, role modeling by delivering the EBP first and more. They act as influencers to get others on board with the EBP implementation.
Youth/Caregiver Participation and Leadership in EBP Implementation Planning and Evaluation
Youth and caregivers often provide leadership in EBP planning and implementation efforts. An example of youth and caregiver participation in EBP implementation might include several things. A family and youth advisory group or implementation committee could provide regular input on how to best implement the EBP. Caregivers or youth could be hired to be trainers, evaluators, and interviewers. Youth and families may have authority over the design and delivery of certain implementation supports, such as providing testimonials of implementation success.