Exploring County-Level Resources Influencing Evidence-Based Practices and Treatment Uptake in Behavioral Health Settings

ABSTRACT Evidence-Based Practices and Treatments (EBPTs) are recommended to improve outcomes for individuals with behavioral health disorders and the service delivery system. This study examines how existing and new resources affect the availability of different types of EBPTs for individuals in the criminal-legal systems in 519 U.S. counties. Significant predictors of EBPs in criminal justice programs (CJ-EBPs) and evidence-based treatments (EBTs) were identified using poisson count regression models. Similar models were used to predict outcomes of higher-, medium-, low-, and minimal-cost programs. Existing staff resources and a history of prior grants largely influence the availability of CJ-EBPs and EBTs. Improving county staffing influences, particularly through peer support and resources may increase the availability of CJ-EBPs and EBTs in a county.