Supervision and Coaching

Although evidence-based treatment is provided directly by practitioners, other supports must be in place for implementation efforts to be successful and sustained, such as supervision and coaching. Supervisors or mentors can be employed by the agency itself or supervision may be provided directly by purveyors of evidence-based treatment(s). Practitioners that receive more support and guidance in using EBPs will be more likely to implement practices true to the model. Supervisors can measure and assess specific goals and outcomes and provide expert feedback to practitioners to ensure they achieve desired outcomes.

Some children’s EBPs, such as Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care, Family Functional Therapy, and Incredible Years provide a built-in training infrastructure for practitioners and expert training for supervisors.

The University of South Florida provides helpful information on coaching as a core component of successful EBP implementation.

Helpful Links:

• The Southern Coast Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) has created a tips page for clinical supervisors in the substance abuse field that is useful for all supervisors. 
• The resource guide, Turning Knowledge into Practice, is available to assist practitioners, supervisors, and administrators in learning how to implement and disseminate evidence-based practices.