Manual-guided cognitive-behavioral therapy training: A promising method for disseminating empirically supported substance abuse treatments to the practice community

A gap exists between empirically supported substance abuse treatments and t hose used in community settings. This study examined the feasibility of tra ining substance abuse counselors to deliver cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) using treatment manuals. Participants were 29 counselors. Counselors were randomly assigned to receive CBT training or to a control group. Couns elor attitudes were assessed pre- and posttraining. In addition, CBT therap y sessions were videotaped and rated for adherence and skillfulness. CBT co unselors reported high levels of satisfaction with the training, intention to use CBT interventions, and confidence in their ability to do so. Ratings indicated that 90% of counselors were judged as having attained at least a dequate levels of CBT skillfulness. Findings demonstrate the feasibility of using psychotherapy technology tools as a means of disseminating science-b ased treatments to the substance abuse practice community.