A Distance Education Model for Training Substance Abuse Treatment Providers in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Randomized Trial of Web-Based Training to Promote Counselor Use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Skills in Client Sessions

“…At the time our study began (2003), only a small number of published studies had reported any efforts to measure counselor skill attainment for community based counselors. 18,21 Only a few training studies have captured demonstration of skill acquisition through role-play, 19 simulated-patient actors 37 or client “training cases” and these scenarios are not necessarily typical of the counselor’s caseload. 12,38 Our emphasis on transfer of skills to ongoing client treatment in counselors’ own agency setting is a possible model for NIDA/SAMHSA Blending Initiatives which aim to support adoption of ESTs in everyday practice.…”

“…To our knowledge this is the first randomized trial of skill transfer in own work place among community-based substance abuse clinicians. At the time our study began (2003), only a small number of published studies had reported any efforts to measure counselor skill attainment for community-based counselors (18, 21). Only a few training studies have captured demonstration of skill acquisition through role-play (19), simulated-patient actors (37), or client “training cases” and these scenarios are not necessarily typical of the counselor's caseload (12, 38).…”

“…Use of interactive Web technologies may be promising for dissemination of CBT skills in addiction treatment (11, 19). Although Web technologies and distance education are increasing in use by more organizations (20), from universities (21) to Addiction Technology Transfer Centers, the evaluations remain focused primarily on acceptability to learners, change in knowledge, and participant self-ratings (22). The present study was conducted to empirically test the skill acquisition of addiction counselors exposed to an intensive Web course in the workplace.…”