Name
#141 Translating Training of Behavioral Health Providers Into Evidence-Based Practices: A Study Protocol and Progress Report
Content Presented On Behalf Of:
Uniformed Services University
Session Type
Poster
Date
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Start Time
5:00 PM
End Time
7:00 PM
Location
Prince Georges Expo Hall E
Focus Areas/Topics
Clinical Care
Learning Outcomes
1. Identify behavioral health care challenges especially relevant to Reserve Component service members and their families
2. Describe an experimental study designed to test ways to promote provider engagement
3. Evaluate study progress to date.
Session Currently Live
Description
Background: This project focuses on two challenges associated with behavioral health (BH) care for military families: a) providers need to be well-prepared to deliver evidence-based practices, and b) clients should be able to find and connect with well-prepared providers. These challenges are particularly acute for reserve component (RC) personnel. Objective and specific aims: This project is being implemented as a companion to the existing Star Behavioral Health Providers program. The specific aims are: 1) To compare the effectiveness of two post-training support conditions (Community of Practice (CoP) alone vs. in combination with Consultation) in: (a) Sustaining provider knowledge and confidence & (b) Promoting provider competence and use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) and evidence-based treatments (EBTs), 2) To assess the effectiveness of different types of motivational incentives in increasing providers’ efforts to seek, accept, and treat military-connected clients using EBPs and EBTs and 3) To explore the role of provider characteristics in shaping their responses to experimental conditions. Study design: This is a doubly randomized implementation trial, where BH providers are block-randomized in Phase 1 to one of two conditions for follow-on support following training (Consultation alone; Consultation + COP), and in Phase 2 to one of three incentives conditions for engaging with RC personnel (Performance incentives alone; Performance + Personal incentives; Performance + Social incentives). Data come from provider self-report, provider performance with a simulated patient, and administrative data. A community advisory board is guiding the study. Study progress: The initial goal for participant recruitment has been achieved (n=150). By November 2025, all participants will have completed Phase 1 of the study and moved into Phase 2. Preliminary results indicate that performance incentives, such as ‘points,’ have been successful in promoting engagement with the Community of Practice in the form of specific activities such as participating in conference calls, and accepting referrals. Relevance to military health: This project supports civilian mental health providers in expanding community-based EBT care for military-connected patients, particularly RC personnel and their families. The views expressed are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government. Additionally, the authors have no conflicts of interest to report.