Initial testing of a computer-based simulation training module to support clinicians' acquisition of CBT skills for...

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common and effective treatments for substance use disorders (SUD); however, effective delivery of CBT depends on a wide variety of nuanced skills that require practice to master. We created a computer-based simulation training system to support the development of necessary skills for student trainees to be able to apply CBT effectively for clients with SUDs. CBT: Introducing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an interactive, role-play simulation that provides opportunities for clinician trainees to hone their skills through repeated practice and real-time feedback before application in a clinical setting. This is the first study that tests whether such a simulation improves trainee skills for the treatment of clients with SUDs. Graduate students (N = 65; social work, clinical psychology) completed standardized patient (SP) interviews, were randomized to the simulation training program or manual comparison condition (Project MATCH manual), and completed SP interviews three months post-baseline. Using general linear models, results indicated a significant time x group effect, with students assigned to the simulation training program showing greater improvement in "extensiveness" and "skillfulness" ratings across three skill categories: general agenda setting (p = .03), explaining CBT concepts (p = .007), and understanding of CBT concepts (p = .001). However, manual comparison participants showed greater improvement than simulation trainees in "assessing primary drug use" (p_range = .013-.024). No changes in extensiveness or skillfulness of motivational interviewing (MI) style were observed. This pilot test of CBT: Introducing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy offers support for use of this novel technology as a potential approach to scale up CBT training for students, and perhaps clinicians, counseling people with SUDs.