Evidence-Based Practices

An Evidence-Based Practice includes:

1. A clear intervention model
2. Comprehensive training
3. Fidelity monitoring to competence
4. Outcome accountability
5. Documentation standards 

• Applied Behavior Analysis
• ACT (Assertive Community Treatment)
• Behavior Therapy
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) - More below
• CBT for Children & Families: Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Cognitive Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - More below
• Family Therapy    FOCUS Family Resiliency
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy
• Patient Assessment Tools:
  • ​LOCUS - Level of Care Utilization System
  • CASII - Child and Adolescent Service Intensity Instrument
  • MORS - Milestones of Recovery Scale
• ​Safety Planning Intervention​
• Strengths Based Approach
• ​Various: Results First Clearinghouse (The Pew Charitable Trusts)

Sources: 
   Society for Clinical Child & Adolescent Psych. Link
   Psychiatry MMC (DBT) Link

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

"Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the term used for a group of psychological treatments that are based on scientific evidence. These treatments have been proven to be effective in treating many psychological disorders... Cognitive and behavioral therapies usually are short-term treatments (i.e., often between 6-20 sessions) that focus on teaching clients specific skills. CBT is different from many other therapy approaches by focusing on the ways that a person's cognitions (i.e., thoughts), emotions, and behaviors are connected and affect one another. Because emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are all linked, CBT approaches allow for therapists to intervene at different points in the cycle.
​Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies - More Info

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

 ​"Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD). The patient populations for which DBT has the most empirical support include parasuicidal women with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but there have been promising findings for patients with BPD and substance use disorders (SUDs), persons who meet criteria for binge-eating disorder, and depressed elderly patients. Although DBT has many similarities with other cognitive-behavioral approaches, several critical and unique elements must be in place for the treatment to constitute DBT. Some of these elements include (a) serving the five functions of treatment, (b) the biosocial theory and focusing on emotions in treatment, (c) a consistent dialectical philosophy, and (d) mindfulness and acceptance-oriented interventions." Psychiatry MMC (DBT) Link

Trauma-Informed
​Practices

A trauma-informed approach is defined by SAMHSA as "a program, organization, or system that realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery; recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system; and responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices, and seeks to actively resist re-traumatization. 
     90 percent of clients in public behavioral health care settings have experienced trauma. If trauma goes unaddressed, people with mental illnesses and addictions will have poor physical health outcomes and ignoring trauma can hinder recovery. To ensure the best possible health outcomes, all care — in all health settings — must address trauma in a safe and sensitive way."

​Fundamental Principals of Trauma-informed Care to help providers:

• Become trauma aware and knowledgeable about the impact and consequences of traumatic experiences for individuals, families, and communities.
• Evaluate and initiate use of appropriate trauma-related screening and assessment tools.
• Implement interventions from a collaborative, strengths-based approach, appreciating the resilience of trauma survivors.
• Learn the core principles and practices that reflect TIC.
• Anticipate the need for specific trauma-informed treatment planning strategies that support the individual’s recovery.
• Decrease the inadvertent retraumatization that can occur from implementing standard organizational policies, procedures, and interventions with individuals, including clients and staff, who have experienced trauma or are exposed to secondary trauma.
• Evaluate and build a trauma-informed organization and workforce.

In the Movie "Paper Tigers", a high school tries a new approach to discipline.  Suspensions drop by 85%.  

Trauma-Informed Approaches - Practical Strategies for Integrated Care Settings, SAMHSA, HRSA

Building Resilience for Individuals through Trauma-Informed Education (BRITE), The National Council for Behavioral Health

Trauma-Informed Care for Children and Families

• American Psychological Association (Introduction to Special Issue) 2019
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network 

Trauma & Developmental Screenings / ACEs, DHCS PowerPoint

Trauma-informed Care in Behavioral Health Services, SAMHSA 2014