Evidence Based Practices in Mental Health: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Research Considerations [English and Spanish versions]

Abstract

One widely accepted definition of Evidence Based Practices (EBPs) is that they are interventions for which scientific evidence consistently shows that the practice improves client outcomes.EBPs rely on the classifications of research studies and findings according to a variety of evidence. In general, the highest standard requires evidence from several Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) by multiple teams of investigators comparing the practice to alternative practices or to no intervention. EBPs provide evidence of effective treatments or services based on rigorous research approaches that include randomization, control groups, studies with matched participants, blinding of service providers (so they are unaware of study participants or the treatment each individual receives), statistical analysis (often meta-analysis), and drawing accurate conclusions from study results. This Issue Brief describes advantages and disadvantages of identifying menal health services as EBPS, and provides recommendations for policy makers, researchers, and service providers. A Spanish translation of this publication is available for download. This Issue Brief, originally published in August 2007, was revised with new information in January 2017.