Implementing Evidence Based Practices for Children’s Mental Health: A Case Study in Implementing Modular Treatments in Community Mental Health

There is strong enthusiasm for utilizing implementation science in the implementation of evidence-based programs in children’s community mental health, but there remains work to be done to improve the process. Despite the proliferation of implementation frameworks, there is limited literature providing case examples of overcoming implementation barriers. This article examines whether the use of three implementations strategies, a structured training and coaching program, the use of professional development portfolios for coaching, and a progress monitoring data system, help to overcome barriers to implementation by facilitating four implementation drivers at a community mental health agency. Results suggest that implementation is a process of recognizing and adapting to both predictable and unpredictable barriers. Furthermore, the use of these implementation strategies is important in improving implementation outcomes.