John Hunsley, PhD - University of Ottawa

The Role of Assessment in Providing Evidence-Based Treatments (70 min.) LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Explain the principles of evidence-based assessment 2. Describe case conceptualization (including diagnosis) practices 3. Discuss the importance of monitoring treatment progress 4. Identify options for evaluating treatment progress and treatment outcome 5. Explain how to modify treatment based on evidence-based responsiveness factors ABSTRACT: This is an intermediate-level webinar. Evidence-based psychological practice involves the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of the best available research evidence to inform each stage of clinical decision-making and service delivery, including the monitoring and evaluation of services provided to clients throughout treatment. The key to being a competent, evidence-based practitioner is being able to provide psychological services in which scientific evidence is meaningfully integrated with clinical information obtained from both the initial and ongoing assessment of clients during treatment. To this end, diagnostic information can provide valuable information regarding (a) client characteristics that should be evaluated and (b) evidence-based options for treatment planning purposes. Beyond this, though, the accumulated research on psychotherapy processes and outcomes has much to offer psychologists striving to improve their therapeutic practices. Integrating this research with the growing literature on evidence-based assessment, the webinar is designed to orient psychologists to the value of following evidence-based assessment principles in (a) explicitly developing client case formulations, (b) assessing client characteristics and preferences shown to influence responsiveness to therapy, (c) using case formulations and responsiveness-to-therapy information to individually tailor evidence-based treatments to best fit client needs, (d) monitoring client progress throughout treatment, and (e) systematically evaluating treatment outcome. The evidence base underlying these recommended practices will be presented, along with examples of relevant assessment instruments and strategies that can be used to enhance treatment services. BIOGRAPHY: Dr. John Hunsley is a Professor of Psychology and Director of the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program at the University of Ottawa. He has authored over 120 articles, chapters, and books on assessment, intervention, professional issues, and evidence-based psychological practice. These include Scientific Foundations of Clinical Assessment (with Stephen N. Haynes & Gregory T. Smith), A Guide to Assessments That Work (with Eric J. Mash), and Introduction to Clinical Psychology: An Evidence-Based Perspective (with Catherine M. Lee). He is a Fellow of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), and the CPA Clinical Psychology Section. He is also a recipient of the CPA Award for Distinguished Contributions to Education and Training in Psychology. Dr. Hunsley consults with health care organizations and professional psychology associations, presents workshops on evidence-based psychological practice, and maintains a private practice in the treatment of mood, anxiety, and related disorders. USER RATINGS: 3.8 out of 5 STARS (6) American Psychological Association (APA) Buros Center for Testing is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Buros Center for Testing maintains responsibility for this program and its content. National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Buros Center for Testing is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Buros Center for Testing maintains responsibility for this program and its content. New York State Education Department (NYSED) Buros Center for Testing, University of Nebraska-Lincoln is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0187. There is no known commercial support for this program. INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLEMENTS PROVIDED WHEN PURCHASED FOR A COURSE: PowerPoint slides For a brief preview of this video, click link below.