Evidence Based Practices (EBP)

San Diego County Mental Health Services has selected Evidence Based Practices (EBP) for its Adult and Older Adult Mental Health Programs.

There is a growing consensus that when choosing mental health services, we should use the best scientific and clinical evidence available. The move toward Evidence-Based Practices emphasizes the importance of research evidence to prove that a particular service or treatment is safe and effective; in other words, does it really work?

Scientific Research. The mental health and other healthcare fields have not reached complete agreement about what the very best practices are. Some groups of experts focus on how solid the research base is for a particular practice: How many research studies have been done? Was the research design well-controlled so that the results are valid? Have other researchers been able to replicate or copy the research and come up with the same results?

Clinical/Individual Factors. Other experts on Evidence-Based Practice are concerned about the limitations of some research designs. They emphasize individual, cultural, and other factors, such as the match between a client and a therapist or provider, that determine whether a treatment or service will be effective. Currently, there is a need for more research about what works best for various cultural and other groups, as well as what other factors may be important in promoting an individual person's recovery.

At times, other terms such as Model Programs or Best Practices are used to mean the same as Evidence-Based Practice, but sometimes they are defined differently. For example, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) has a registry of Evidence-Based Programs and rates them as either Promising, Effective, or Model (their highest rating).

To help in reviewing Evidence-Based and Best Practices, we have chosen some of the best thinking about what works in mental health for different groups for the following select list. When possible, we have provided articles in a downloadable format; other resources are available by linking to a website address.

For examples of best practices, strategies and model programs for Adults selected by San Diego County Mental Health Services, click here

For examples of best practices, strategies and model programs for Older Adults selected by San Diego County Mental Health Services, click here.

For more information about Evidence Based Practices, click here to view the Library pages on this Web site.