Building strong clinicians: Education strategies to promote interest and readiness for evidence-based practice

Abstract

The challenges of including evidence-based practice (EBP) and evidence-based treatments (EBTs) in social work education continue to be discussed in the literature. As the behavioral health system moves toward greater practitioner accountability and expanded implementation of EBTs, it becomes increasingly important to prepare students for this type of practice. A successful provider-developed curriculum, designed to prepare students for extensive EBT job opportunities in Connecticut, was disseminated to local graduate schools through a faculty fellowship. This article discusses provider and faculty perspectives about course design elements that contributed to its effectiveness, as well as how the course was subsequently adapted to online learning for Master of Social Work (MSW) students, with evidence of positive impact on clinician development.