Provider Attitudes, Organizational Readiness for Change, and Uptake of Research Supported Treatment

Purpose: As implementation and evaluation of research supported treatment (RST) expands across diverse mental health settings, it is essential to understand the facilitators and inhibitors of uptake. The current study examined the relationships between organizational readiness for change, attitudes toward RST, and use of RST among a sample primarily of social workers. Methods: Participants included 158 providers from public child mental health outpatient clinics in the New York metropolitan area. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results: Use of RST was greater among providers who were younger and had fewer years of professional experience. Both organizational need for change and climate directly and indirectly related to use of RST through attitudes toward RST (partial mediator). Discussion: The organizational context is an important factor that relates to attitudes toward and use of RST in practice. Future research is needed to continue examining factors of RST uptake and sustainability.