Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Social Work

James Drisko is Professor at Smith College School for Social Work in Northampton, Massachusetts. His recent work focuses on evidence-based practice, the common factors model, clinical work with children and families including reactive attachment disorder and its treatment, psychotherapy evaluation and qualitative research methods. Drisko received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Amherst College, his M.S.W. from Smith College School for Social Work and his Ph.D. from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. Drisko was elected to the National Academies of Practice in Clinical Social Work in 2008 and was named an as inaugural Fellow of the Society for Social Work and Research in 2014.Melissa Grady is Associate Professor at the National Catholic School of Social Service in Washington, DC. Dr. Melissa D. Grady received her M.S.W. and Ph.D. from Smith College School of Social Work. Her clinical experience includes both work in the publicmental health sector and private sector. Her clinical experience includes clients who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, anger management as well as other mental health issues. In addition, Dr. Grady has worked with parents who are separating and divorcing and struggle with co-parenting. In addition, she has practiced, writes about and conducts research and trainings on sex offenders and evidence-based treatment practices. She is formerly a faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Social Work and is now currently on the faculty of Catholic University’s National School of Social Service where she teaches in the areas of mental health, clinical practice, clinical theory and research methods.

• I. What is Evidence-Based Practice and How It Influences Clinical Practice- Introduction and Overview.- Three Perspectives on Evidence-Based Practice.- The Steps of EBP in Clinical Practice: An Overview.- Step 1 of EBP: Assessment in Clinical Social Work and Identifying Practice Information Needs.- Step 2 of EBP: Locating Practice Research.- Step 3 of EBP - Part 1: Evaluating Research Designs.- Step 3 of EBP - Part 2: Evaluating Research Methods.- Step 3 of EBP - Part 3: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Reviews: Aggregated Research Results.- Step 4 of EBP: Collaboratively Discussing Treatment Options with the Client.- Steps 5 and 6 of EBP: Finalizing the Treatment Plan and Practice Evaluation.- II. Case Examples of Evidence-Based Practice.- Sam: An Older, Gay Man Who Appears Depressed.- Ray: A Man Fearful of Panic Attacks.- Sally: A 12-Year-Old Who May Have Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder.- Newman and Loretta: Parents of Arthur, A Man Who Has Schizophrenia.- Jin: A 16-Year-Old Korean-American Male with Drinking Issues.- Jennifer: A Young Homeless Woman Who Has Borderline Personality Disorder.- Bethany: A Young Woman Recalling her Traumatic History.- Gabrielle: A Young Woman in Pain who is Opioid Dependent.- III. EBP in Clinical Social Work Education and Ongoing Issues.- Evidence-Based Practice: Teaching and Supervision.- Continuing Issues Regarding EBP in Practice.- Conclusion: The Evidence for Evidence Based Practice.- Glossary.- Appendix A: An Outline for a Biopsychosocial Assessment and Intervention Plan.- Appendix B: A Bullet Point Summary of the Merits and the Limitations of EBP.