Training Health Services Psychologists for Research Careers in Addiction Science

A clinical science guide for reviewing the cross-cultural rigor of assessments in an alcohol training clinic

A standard component of service delivery in alcohol treatment clinics is evidence-based assessment (EBA). Although EBA is essential for selecting appropriate treatment modalities for alcohol use and associated problems, there are limitations in existing EBAs concerning evidence of cultural equivalence and utility among individuals seeking alcohol treatment. However, training in EBA, addictions, and clinical applications with diverse populations all are gaps in clinical training in doctoral programs in clinical psychology. The present work used the clinical science model to review the psychometric properties, cross-cultural utility, and measurement invariance of measures in an assessment battery used in an alcohol treatment training clinic. This article describes the results of that review, recommendations for retaining or replacing common assessment measures used in alcohol treatment clinics, and recommendations for alcohol treatment clinics interested in engaging in similar processes. Findings suggested that more research is needed to evaluate the psychometric properties of EBAs utilized in an alcohol treatment assessment battery, particularly among American Indian and Alaska Native people, and to test measurement invariance across race/ethnicity and other identity groups in alcohol treatment-seeking populations. Overall, routine reviews of cultural relevance are needed in clinical settings to stay current with the emerging literature. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Addressing the SUD training gap: Two pilot feasibility studies in the Department of Veteran's Affairs Health Care System

INTRODUCTION

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are an ongoing public health crisis in the United States. A large body of research indicates an urgent need for increased training in SUD research and treatment for trainees in mental health service disciplines. The VA Health Care System is well positioned, as the largest trainer and employer of health service psychologists and other mental health professionals, to address the SUD training gap and serve as a leader in training the upcoming health care workforce.

METHOD

To this end, we conducted two pilot studies to (1) examine the feasibility of implementing supplemental SUD training for VA health service trainees, among current VA mental health service providers in psychology, social work, and medical care (N = 37) and (2) the efficacy of a single 2-hour interdisciplinary SUD training seminar for VA health service trainees in mental health (N = 13). The training seminar consisted of several components including lecture, facilitated discussion, and role play, aimed at increasing trainee self-efficacy in assessing and diagnosing SUDs.

RESULTS

Findings suggest that current providers are supportive of supplemental SUD training for VA trainees and believe that such training is beneficial for those wishing to pursue a career within the VA Health Care System. Additionally, results suggest that a single session didactic seminar improved trainees' self-reported efficacy in the assessment and referral of veterans diagnosed with SUDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the above studies support additional feasibility investigations that would pave the way for successful implementation of widespread SUD training programs across the VA Health Care System and beyond. Successful implementation would then serve to reduce the increasingly critical SUD provider shortage, thus leading to significant public health gains.

An online global survey and follow-up expert groups on the scope and needs related to training, research, and mentorship among early-career addiction medicine professionals

Addiction medicine is a rapidly growing field with many young professionals seeking careers in this field. However, early-career professionals (ECPs) face challenges such as a lack of competency-based training due to a shortage of trainers, limited resources, limited mentorship opportunities, and establishment of suitable research areas. The International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) New Professionals Exploration, Training & Education (NExT) committee, a global platform for early-career addiction medicine professionals (ECAMPs), conducted a two-phase online survey using a modified Delphi-based approach among ECAMPs across 56 countries to assess the need for standardized training, research opportunities, and mentorship. A total of 110 respondents participated in Phase I (online key informant survey), and 28 respondents participated in Phase II (online expert group discussions on three themes identified in Phase I). The survey found that there is a lack of standardized training, structured mentorship programs, research funding, and research opportunities in addiction medicine for ECAMPs. There is a need for standardized training programs, improving research opportunities, and effective mentorship programs to promote the next generation of addiction medicine professionals and further development in the entire field. The efforts of ISAM NExT are well-received and give a template of how this gap can be addressed.