Evidence-Based Care

When the field of psychology started, we had very little research science to identify what actually helped people feel better and live better. Now, we have a vast array of research, and are constantly doing more to pinpoint which treatment tools actually lead to improvements in symptoms and quality of life. When a treatment type has research showing it helps, this is an evidence-based treatment.

The breakdown: What is EBP

Evidence-based practice is:

EBP is the integration of the best available research with clinical expertise, taking into account the context of patient characteristics, culture and preferences (APA). EBP aims to maximize the effectiveness of psychological treatment through adherence to principles informed by empirical findings, clinical expertise and client characteristics (CPA, 2012). EBP involves the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of BEST available research evidence to inform each stage of clinical decision-making and service delivery (CPA, 2012).

Evidence-based providers must:

Understand efficacy of treatments
Recognize strengths and limitations of clinical intuition
Integrate patient preference
Understand the relevance of socio-cultural context when treating patients

Clinicians using EBP will:

Have knowledge of the best treatment option in order to provide effective care
Continually engage in research and training to maintain up to date information to provide best treatment

Therapy

Should work

"Evidence- based therapy" means the treatment, tools, manuals and principles have scientific evidence that they will actually help decrease symptoms and increase quality of life.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Psychological treatment that targets unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors to decrease suffering, increase coping and improve quality of life.

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Links to Evidence-Based Practice

I found some links, lists and provider finder sites for each of the following to help you find an evidence based provider. These are not complete lists. There's also information below on how to search provider sites like Psychology Today. If you need more help, please reach out! I'm in the process of starting a triage service where I help people find providers. In the meantime, we can schedule a consultation and I'll help you find your way.

Anxiety

PCIT

DBT

Mood

ADHD

EBP

ACT

CBT

Perinatal

Trauma

Substance Use

Search Keywords

Start with Google: Search keywords for your area. For example, try "CBT therapy" and whatever city you're in. Then, click through provider websites and make sure their website has the following: 1) explanation of EBP they use, 2) info on how/where they learned and 3) a vibe you like!

Public Lists

When using provider list pages like Psychology Today, search treatment keywords in your area, but be on the lookout for some of the following red flags:

1. Providers listing a huge number of diagnoses they treat or therapies they use. We can't specialize in that many things, so that might mean they are just clicking all the boxes.

2. Any provider that doesn't tell you how they treat disorders (whether on Psych today or on their website). They should say what method they use.

Typically providers on these lists (Betterhelp, Psych Today, etc.), pay to join. The lists above are based on certification instead.

Social Media

First, social media is NOT therapy. However, it does give you a unique chance to meet a provider and see if you like their style. It's important to know a provider may be different in therapy as the relationships is different than on social media. However, this is still a great way to find therapists in your area. Try using hashtags to search providers in your area, i.e., #seattletherapist. Then, click through their page to see if they use the treatment you are looking for or specialize in the symptoms you're struggling with.

Feel free to ask them! I recommend finding their email!

Word of Mouth

Often I get referrals through word of mouth. This is a great way to find a good provider. Ask around! Ask your friends, coworkers, doctor or teachers. If you find someone you think would work, ask them! If they don't have openings often they will help you find someone who does.