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Symposia

Dissemination & Implementation Science

Reimagining the research-practice gap—Cocreating mental health research and practice through community partnerships across settings in Philadelphia

2 - (SYM 64) A Mixed Methods Examination of Session Planning Among Philadelphia Public Mental Health Therapists

Saturday, November 16, 2024
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM EST
Location: 305/306, Level 3, Downtown Marriott
Abstract Body



Objective: Session planning is a core activity for implementing most evidence-based practices (EBPs), yet it is unclear if public mental health settings provide the support for therapists to engage in EBP session planning. This two-part mixed methods study conducted in partnership with the Philadelphia public mental health system examined EBP-trained public mental health therapists’ perspectives on their session planning practices and preferences.



Method: Study 1. Public mental health therapists (N=61) in Philadelphia completed an online survey to comprehensively identify session planning barriers and facilitators, current practices, and desired planning supports. Study 2. Therapists (n=9) who ranked a session planning tool as their top choice support in Study 1 were purposively sampled to participate in two focus groups to elaborate on their survey responses and provide feedback on three session planning tool prototypes.



Results: Study 1. Survey respondents cited multi-level barriers and facilitators to session planning. In both closed- and open-ended responses, therapists described wanting more time, lower caseloads, financial incentives for session planning, and additional clinical resources and guidance from trainings, peers, and supervisors to support session planning. Study 2. Focus group participants reiterated the need for these multi-level supports and expressed the need for a database of session planning tools akin to a “one-stop shop” that would offer free, easily searchable, and modifiable tools for varied clinical needs. All three session planning tool prototypes reviewed were acceptable; two were also considered feasible and appropriate.



Conclusions: This investigation of an under-studied aspect of the EBP implementation process, session planning, reveals the need for multi-level session planning supports. Recommendations for research and practice are discussed.