Adoption of Evidence-Based Practices in Community Mental Health: A Mixed-Method Study of Practitioner Experience

This mixed method study examined practitioners as they adopted four evidence-based practices (EBPs) in a community mental health center. In-depth semi-structured interviews; a measure of EBPs attitudes; and a final focus-group were used over a 2-year study period to assess 14 mental health practitioners on one immersion team. The framework for data collection was adapted from organizational theories that view culture and climate as mediating factors. Analysis of practitioner themes demonstrated that there were facilitating and impeding factors in the adoption process. Practitioners reported positive changes in their individual competency but two years was inadequate for training on four EBPs. Involvement of agency administration and consistent supervision were regarded by practitioners as crucial to successful adoption of EBPs.