RESEARCH

Dissemination and Implementation

The Family and Community Intervention Lab conducts research related to the dissemination and implementation (D&I) of evidence-based treatments for underserved children and families. Efforts in the lab are focused on creating new knowledge and lasting improvements in community-based mental health services by (a) promoting access to evidence-based mental health care for all families, (b) reducing barriers to treatment, and (c) evaluating methods to improve clinician/provider training and treatment sustainability.

Disruptive Behaviors

Research from this lab focuses on evidence-based interventions for youth with disruptive behavior disorders including treatments such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT; ages 2-7 years) and Multisystemic Therapy (MST; ages 12-17 years). These treatments take a family-centered approach and provide caregivers with the therapeutic skills needed for symptom reduction and increased familial well-being.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Family and Community Intervention Lab also targets research on the adaptation of evidence-based treatments for use with children on the autism spectrum. Currently, there is a large gap in services for addressing disruptive behaviors in this population. Future plans include clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of adapted treatment protocols in both PCIT and MST.

Experiences in this lab integrate my interests in D&I, child disruptive behaviors, and autism spectrum disorder. Specifically, activities include the study and delivery of family-focused treatment for childhood disruptive behaviors in the home and clinic settings, the collaboration with community partnerships to advance dissemination and implementation practices in mental health agencies (e.g., trainings, sustainability efforts), and the adaptation of treatments for youth on the autism spectrum to address their unique needs.