What is “Evidence-Based Practice”?  

For therapy, the phrase “Evidence-Based Practice” refers to behavioral healthcare treatment based on three crucial elements:  

Patient Needs

Each individual patient’s unique behavioral health goals are the primary focus. It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Science

 Evidence-based psychotherapy uses behavior change strategies that are developed and tested by researchers and are found to be effective. These treatments are often referred to as treatment protocols, manualized treatments, or empirically-supported treatments (EST).

Clinician Expertise

The psychologist (or other licensed provider) takes the time to understand each patient’s unique perspective and goals, identifies the empirically-supported treatment approach that is most likely to be effective, considers ways that treatment could be modified to best help the patient, and acts as a teacher and mentor throughout the treatment process.

For evaluations, the phrase “Evidence-Based Practice” refers to psychological testing and assessment which includes three crucial elements:  

Patient Needs

Each individual patient’s unique concerns, diagnostic questions, and personal history and experiences are the primary focus of the evaluation.

Science

Tests and measures are developed and evaluated by researchers. Evidence-based practice only uses those tests and measures which are found to be valid and reliable, meaning they accurately and consistently measure what they intend to measure.

Clinician Expertise

The psychologist takes the time to understand each patient’s unique perspective, identifies the most appropriate battery of tests and assessments, and acts as a consultant, examiner, and guide throughout the evaluation process.

If you want to discuss “Evidence-Based Practices” with children try one of these metaphors:

The Toolbox, The Apprentice, and The Carpenter

The toolbox is packed full of tools and skills  (best available scientific research) that the apprentice (the patient) can use to build a life and achieve goals. The carpenter (clinician) is an expert in knowing how to use the tools, and which tools are best for which jobs.  The carpenter mentors and teaches the apprentice how to use the tools in the toolbox as the apprentice builds a life. 

The Three Pillars

The mantle or roof of the house balances on three pillars (best available research, clinical expertise, and patient characteristics, culture, and preferences).  Each pillar must be just as long and sturdy as the other pillars in order for the house to stand.