Implementing evidence-based practices in nonspecialty mental health settings

Mental health services are often implemented in settings in which mental health is not the primary mission. Schools, primary care clinics, criminal justice and child welfare institutions, and senior centers have been increasingly adding mental health care to their compendium of services owing to the high rates of mental health needs in these settings. Despite numerous challenges to implementing mental health practices in settings where mental health care has not traditionally been a part of the service model, the demand for mental health services in these settings is growing. Implementation science offers a lens through which to understand unique challenges and potential solutions to implementing mental health services in these settings, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the implementation of evidence-based services.

In this conceptual article, we discuss common overarching barriers to implementing evidence-based mental health interventions in nonspecialty mental health settings, such as workforce challenges, competing priorities, and financial considerations. Then, using examples from schools and primary care, we elucidate unique contextual considerations and implementation challenges in these settings. Finally, we articulate a research agenda for advancing implementation of evidence-based practices in nonspecialty mental health including highlighting promising implementation strategies (e.g., task shifting, adaptation) and the most relevant implementation outcomes to assess in these contexts (e.g., appropriateness, feasibility).

Given that nonspecialty mental health settings deliver a large proportion of mental health care to traditionally underserved populations, there are important public health implications to advancing research in this area and ensuring implemented services are evidence-based. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).