Sarah B. Hunter

Director, RAND Center on Housing and Homelessness in Los Angeles; Senior Behavioral and Social Scientist; Professor, Pardee RAND Graduate School

Santa Monica Office

Education

Ph.D. in social psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara; M.A. in social psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara; B.A. in psychology, New York University

One Page Bio

Media Resources

This researcher is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact the RAND Office of Media Relations at (310) 451-6913, or email media@rand.org.

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Overview

Sarah Hunter is director of the RAND Center on Housing and Homelessness in Los Angeles, a senior behavioral scientist at the RAND Corporation, and a professor at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. Hunter's primary areas of interest are improving services for vulnerable populations; building community capacity for evidence-based program delivery; continuous quality improvement; health care integration; implementation science; and program evaluation. She has published nearly 150 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and RAND publications in a wide range of fields. Hunter currently serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment. She has served as core faculty at the Implementation Research Institute at Washington University and on several grant review panels for the National Institutes of Health, most recently as a standing study section member for the Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health committee. Prior to joining RAND as a full-time researcher, Hunter was a RAND Project AIR FORCE summer associate for two years. Hunter is a fellow of the Association for Psychological Science. She received her Ph.D. and M.A. in psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and her B.A. in psychology from New York University.

Research Focus

Pardee RAND Graduate School Courses

Recent Projects

Building System Capacity Through Continuous Quality Improvement
Evaluation of Los Angeles County's Pay for Success Just in Reach Initiative
Housing for Health Program Evaluation
Implementing Medication-Assisted Therapy for Substance Use Disorders in Mental Health
Welcome Baby Implementation and Outcomes Evaluation

Selected Publications

Ward, Jason M., Rick Garvey, and Sarah B. Hunter, Recent Trends Among the Unsheltered in Three Los Angeles Neighborhoods: An Annual Report from the Los Angeles Longitudinal Enumeration and Demographic Survey (LA LEADS) Project, RAND Corporation (RR-A1890-2), 2023

Hunter, Sarah B., Adam Scherling, Matthew Cefalu, and Ryan K. McBain, Just in Reach Pay for Success: Impact Evaluation and Cost Analysis of a Permanent Supportive Housing Program, RAND Corporation (RR-A1758-1), 2022

Hunter, Sarah B., Benjamin F. Henwood, Rajeev Ramchand, Stephanie Brooks Holliday, and Rick Garvey, Twenty-Six Veterans: A Longitudinal Case Study of Veterans Experiencing Homelessness in Los Angeles, 2019–2020, RAND Corporation (RR-A1320-1), 2021

Hunter, Sarah B., Adam Scherling, Ryan K. McBain, Matthew Cefalu, Brian Briscombe, William Mcconnell, and Priya Batra, Implementation and 12-Month Health Service Utilization and Cost Outcomes from a Managed Care Health Plan's Permanent Supportive Housing Program, RAND Corporation (RR-A374-3), 2021

McBain, Ryan K., Adam Scherling, Brian Briscombe, and Sarah B. Hunter, Pima County Housing First Initiative: Final Evaluation Report Fall 2021, RAND Corporation (RR-A236-1), 2021

Hunter, S.B., Han, B., Slaughter, M.E., Godley, S.H., & Garner, B.R., "Predicting evidence based treatment sustainment: Results from a longitudinal study of the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach," . Implementation Science, 12, 2017

Watkins, K.E., Ober, A.J., Lamp, K., Lind, M., Setodji, C.M., Osilla, K.C., Hunter, S.B., McCullough, C.M., Becker, K., Iyiewuare, P.O., Diamant, A., Heinzerling, K., & Pincus, H.A, "Collaborative care for opioid and alcohol use disorders in primary care: The SUMMIT randomized clinical trial," JAMA Internal Medicine, 8, 2017

Hunter, Sarah B., Patricia A. Ebener, Matthew Chinman, Allison J. Ober, and Christina Y. Huang, Promoting Success: A Getting To Outcomes® Guide to Implementing Continuous Quality Improvement for Community Service Organizations, RAND Corporation (TL-179-NIDA), 2015

Honors & Awards

Gordon Allport Intergroup Relations Prize, Best Paper 2007, Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues
Outstanding Publication Award, American Evaluation Association
Fellow, Association for Psychological Science

Recent Media Appearances

Interviews: American Journal of Managed Care Online; KCAL-LA 9 NewsCentral; KPCC-FM; Marketplace Radio; MedicalResearch.com; Newsy

Commentary

Veterans Health Care

RAND Experts on Veteran Mental Health Respond to the White House Mental Health Research Priorities
The White House identified eight research priorities to better manage America's current mental health crisis. RAND researchers highlight why each area is critical for veteran mental health and how RAND is contributing to address them.
Feb 20, 2023
The RAND Blog
Homelessness

Los Angeles Mayoral Debate Misleads on Approaches to Homelessness
They may not mean to, but Los Angeles politicians continue to imply that there is a primary “fix” for homelessness, be it temporary shelters or permanent supportive housing. But those are just pieces of a very complex puzzle. The region needs a robust continuum of care. Although some efforts exist, they have not been scaled up to meet the need.
Oct 26, 2022
Los Angeles Daily News
Homelessness

Camping Bans and Group Shelters Unlikely to Solve Homelessness Crisis
Should Los Angeles continue to direct most resources toward creating permanent housing with services? Or should it try to rapidly add more group shelters and shared tiny homes which would allow the city to enforce camping bans in certain areas? There are compelling arguments for both approaches.
May 23, 2022
Santa Monica Daily Press
Military Veterans

On Veterans Day, There Are Still Thousands of Homeless Vets in L.A. We Followed 26 to Find Out Why
An estimated 3,900 veterans live unhoused in Los Angeles. The city has the largest VA medical center in the nation. There are federal housing programs exclusively for veterans. So why hasn't Los Angeles been able to make a dent?
Nov 11, 2021
Los Angeles Times
Homeless Populations

Access to Mobile Technology Could Help to Alleviate LA's Homelessness Crisis
The vast majority of people experiencing homelessness have cell phones, which often serve as their lifelines. Providing technological supports, such as Wi-Fi access and opportunities to charge devices, could result in better access to social services and, ultimately, better quality of life and outcomes.
Sep 16, 2020
The RAND Blog
Incarceration

An Uncertain Future for Jail Reform in Los Angeles
There is momentum in Los Angeles County to do the difficult work of criminal justice reform. This will take considerable investments of time and resources, as well as a commitment to implementing new strategies and evaluating their effectiveness along the way.
Jul 21, 2020
The RAND Blog
Law Enforcement

Defund the LAPD? Garcetti Budget Proposal Takes a Step in That Direction
Calls to “defund the police” have grown common and urgent in the wake of police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and numerous other Black Americans. Research and community activists agree: Public safety can be improved by investing more public dollars in a social safety net, and less in policing and incarceration, in Los Angeles.
Jun 30, 2020
The RAND Blog
Homeless Populations

Emergency Homeless Services During the COVID-19 Crisis
The recently passed $2 trillion stimulus package includes a suite of measures designed to support households that are affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. But policymakers may want to consider what protections the package offers to a particularly high-risk group: people experiencing homelessness.
Apr 7, 2020
The RAND Blog
Homelessness

Housing for Health: Los Angeles County's Department of Health Tackles Homelessness with an Innovative Housing Program That Saves Money
Los Angeles County's Housing for Health program addresses an important public health issue by providing housing and supportive services to some of the most vulnerable people in our community. The program also saves taxpayers money.
Jan 18, 2018
USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism
Parenting

Support for Implementing Home Visiting Under the Affordable Care Act
One groundbreaking provision of the Affordable Care Act is its funding for home visiting programs that match the parents of young children with trained specialists who provide information, social support, parental skill instruction, and more.
Jan 8, 2014
The RAND Blog
Adolescent Health

Teen Employment May Not Always Be a Boon for At-Risk Youth
For all teens, and especially those who have already experienced problems related to alcohol and drug use, it is essential to monitor the quality of work experiences and keep in mind that some work environments might increase risk for substance use.
Dec 18, 2012
Community Health and Well-Being

Promoting Success: Using Data to Inform Decision Making
Many organizations that we have worked with indicate that this approach has helped improve reporting and communication both within and external to their organization, writes Sarah Hunter.
Mar 21, 2012
Independent Sector

Publications

Report
Implementation and Outcome Evaluation of Project imPACT — A Proposition 47–Funded Program in Los Angeles: Cohort 2 Final Evaluation Report
This report presents findings related to individuals served by Project imPACT, an employment-focused reentry program, between June 2020 and September 2022, demonstrating how service providers helped Fellows achieve several of the program's goals.
May 12, 2023
Research Brief
Wraparound Services Are Key to Helping Justice-Involved Los Angelenos Get and Keep Jobs
A team of researchers from the RAND Corporation and Harder+Company Community Research partnered with the Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Reentry to evaluate Cohort 2 of Project imPACT. This brief highlights program implementation and outcome findings.
May 12, 2023
Report
Living Wages in Los Angeles County's Homeless Response Sector
This report documents the challenges associated with not paying workers in the homeless response sector a living wage and highlights the potential impacts of higher pay for these workers.
May 10, 2023
Report
Recent Trends Among the Unsheltered in Three Los Angeles Neighborhoods: An Annual Report from the Los Angeles Longitudinal Enumeration and Demographic Survey (LA LEADS) Project
This report presents findings from a study of unsheltered homelessness in three areas of Los Angeles: Hollywood, Skid Row, and Venice. The results indicate growth in the number of Angelenos experiencing unsheltered homelessness over 2021 and 2022.
Jan 26, 2023
Journal Article
Comparing Two Federal Financing Strategies on Penetration and Sustainment of the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach for Substance Use Disorders: Protocol for a Mixed-Method Study
The project will advance understanding of effective financing strategies to support the implementation and sustainment of evidence-based practices for the treatment of adolescent substance use disorders.
Oct 13, 2022
Tool
Permanent Supportive Housing in Los Angeles County: A Map-Based Tool
This tool is a comprehensive attempt to combine financing data, land use, and service operation records for permanent supportive housing projects in Los Angeles County into a publicly available map-based database.
Sep 27, 2022
Journal Article
Restructuring Personal Networks with a Motivational Interviewing Social Network Intervention to Assist the Transition Out of Homelessness: A Randomized Control Pilot Study
This study is the first pilot test of a Social Network Intervention (MI-SNI) customized for assisting the transition out of homelessness to test for personal network changes.
Sep 8, 2022
Report
Just in Reach Pay for Success: Impact Evaluation and Cost Analysis of a Permanent Supportive Housing Program
This report examines a Los Angeles County initiative to provide long-term housing and supportive services as an alternative to jail for individuals with a history of homelessness and chronic behavioral or physical health conditions.
Aug 16, 2022
Research Brief
A Los Angeles Supportive Housing Program Interrupted the Cycle Between Jail and Homelessness—and Largely Paid for Itself
This brief examines a Los Angeles County initiative to provide long-term housing and supportive services as an alternative to jail for individuals with a history of homelessness and chronic behavioral or physical health conditions.
Aug 16, 2022
Report
Los Angeles County's Preparedness for California's Edible Food Recovery Mandate (SB 1383): An Examination of Food Recovery Logistics and Other Challenges
The authors review food recovery in Los Angeles County and specific challenges relating to Senate Bill 1383 implementation, and they suggest ways in which the mandate could be turned into an opportunity for innovation and capacity-building.
Jun 21, 2022
Multimedia
Preparing for California's Edible Food Recovery Mandate: Findings from the Los Angeles Food Recovery Study
Under a new state law, California must significantly reduce organic waste and recover some edible food from going to landfill by 2025. Is Los Angeles County prepared for the new mandate?
Jun 21, 2022
Journal Article
Opioid Use Disorder Among Clients of Community Mental Health Clinics: Prevalence, Characteristics, and Treatment Willingness
The authors examined the prevalence of co-occurring opioid use disorder and willingness to engage in treatment among clients of eight Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health outpatient clinics.
Jun 1, 2022
Journal Article
Supportive Housing for Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals With Criminal Justice Histories: Challenges and Opportunities Identified by Providers and Clients
To explore the service needs of sexual and gender minority individuals, we interviewed providers and clients from eight supportive housing organizations working with SGM populations in L.A. County.
May 12, 2022
Report
Recent Trends Among the Unsheltered in Three Los Angeles Neighborhoods: An Interim Report on the Los Angeles Longitudinal Enumeration and Demographic Survey (LA LEADS) Project
The researchers present interim results from a longitudinal study in which they are conducting counts of unsheltered individuals in Los Angeles and surveying them on their demographics, history of homelessness, and housing needs and preferences.
May 4, 2022
Journal Article
Perspectives Regarding Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Among Individuals with Mental Illness
Clients at publicly-funded mental health clinics support MOUD treatment, signaling a need to expand access and build awareness of MOUDs in these settings.
2022
Report
Pima County Housing First Initiative: Final Evaluation Report Fall 2021
The authors present the final evaluation of the Pima County Housing First Initiative, which offers permanent supportive housing and case management for individuals who are involved with the criminal justice system and have experienced homelessness.
Dec 29, 2021
Report
Twenty-Six Veterans: A Longitudinal Case Study of Veterans Experiencing Homelessness in Los Angeles, 2019–2020
In this report, the authors describe a longitudinal study conducted in 2019/2020 that recruited 26 veterans experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles and followed them monthly for a year to learn about their experiences finding housing.
Nov 11, 2021
Report
Implementation and 12-Month Health Service Utilization and Cost Outcomes from a Managed Care Health Plan's Permanent Supportive Housing Program
This report presents an implementation and outcome study of a permanent supportive housing program—including service utilization and associated costs review—operated by a not-for-profit Medicaid and Medicare managed care plan in Southern California.
Oct 25, 2021
Report
Transforming the Housing Choice Voucher System in California: A Path to Universal Housing?
In this Perspective, the authors review the impact and shortcomings of the housing choice voucher (HCV) program and outline three pathways to transform the HCV system in California that could significantly reduce homelessness across the state.
Sep 29, 2021
Report
Examining Implementation of the Los Angeles County Office of Diversion and Reentry Supportive Housing Program
The authors describe the implementation of the Office of Diversion and Reentry's Housing Program in Los Angeles County, a jail-based diversion program for those with mental health diagnoses.
Sep 23, 2021
Research Brief
Helping Los Angelenos Involved in the Criminal Justice System Get and Keep Jobs
The authors summarize findings of a process and outcome evaluation of Project imPACT, an employment program for individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system, which provided services from July 2018 to December 2020.
Aug 16, 2021
Report
Project imPACT Cohort 1 Final Local Evaluation Report
The authors summarize findings from a process and outcome evaluation of Cohort 1 of Project imPACT, an employment program for individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system, which provided services from July 2018 to December 2020.
Aug 16, 2021
Tool
How to Integrate Pharmacotherapy for Substance Use Disorders at Your Mental Health Clinic: A Step-By-Step Guide for Screening and Treating Adults with Co-Occurring Mental Illness and Alcohol and/or Opioid Use Disorders with Pharmacotherapy in Mental Health Clinics
RAND researchers provide a toolkit to support the delivery of effective, evidence-based pharmacotherapy for clients with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders and simplify care implementation in mental health clinics.
Jul 8, 2021
Journal Article
Organizational Capacity and Readiness to Provide Medication for Individuals with Co-Occurring Alcohol Use Disorders in Public Mental Health Settings
Organizational capacity and readiness constraints impede the delivery of medication treatment for alcohol use disorder in a large mental health system.
Jul 1, 2021
Journal Article
The Relationship Between Quality of Housing and Quality of Life: Evidence from Permanent Supportive Housing
This study describes a PSH program administered by a Medicaid managed care plan, serving individuals experiencing homelessness with complex medical histories, and outlines participants' perceptions on the relationship between quality of housing and QOL.
Jun 9, 2021
Journal Article
Clinician Perspectives on Methadone Service Delivery and the Use of Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
To explore the impact of the pandemic and accompanying policy changes on service delivery, we asked OTP clinicians about changes in care patterns and perceptions of impacts on access and quality.
May 5, 2021
Journal Article
Perceived Care Coordination Among Permanent Supportive Housing Participants: Evidence from a Managed Care Plan in the United States
The study explored patient perceptions of care coordination in a permanent supportive housing program operated by a large health plan in Southern California.
Mar 12, 2021
Report
Health Service Utilization and Cost Outcomes from a Permanent Supportive Housing Program: Evidence from a Managed Care Health Plan
The authors assess the short-term effects of a permanent supportive housing (PSH) program—operated by a large not-for-profit managed care plan—in Southern California for adult enrollees experiencing homelessness who have chronic health conditions.
Feb 16, 2021
Report
Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on Social Services for Vulnerable Populations in Los Angeles: Lessons Learned from Community Providers
The authors of this report conducted interviews with social services organizations in the city and county of Los Angeles to assess how service providers are responding to COVID-19 and to compile lessons learned and innovative strategies.
Aug 24, 2020
Report
Health Service Utilization and Costs at the Outset of a Permanent Supportive Housing Program: Baseline Evaluation Report
This report presents a baseline assessment of an innovative permanent supportive housing program to help address homelessness, examining demographic and clinical characteristics of enrollees and health care service utilization and costs.
Aug 10, 2020
Journal Article
Practical Factors Determining Adolescent Substance Use Treatment Settings: Results from Four Online Stakeholder Panels
This study aimed to identify practical factors that stakeholders find most critical to consider when planning adolescent substance use treatment.
May 12, 2020
Tool
Getting to Outcomes® Operations Guide for U.S. Air Force Community Action Teams
This Getting To Outcomes guide will help with the planning, implementation, evaluation, continuous quality improvement, and sustainability of U.S. Air Force Community Action Plans.
Apr 30, 2020
Report
Breaking Barriers: A Rapid Rehousing and Employment Pilot Program for Adults on Probation in Los Angeles County: Evaluation Report
This report presents early findings on the progress of the Breaking Barriers program, which provides Los Angeles County adults on probation with a time-limited housing subsidy, case management, and employment supports.
Mar 31, 2020
Research Brief
Los Angeles County Jails Could Divert More Individuals to Community-Based Mental Health Services
Summarizes findings of a report in which researchers estimated the percentage of individuals with mental health disorders in Los Angeles County jails who could be diverted from traditional criminal justice processing to community-based care.
Feb 3, 2020
Report
Evaluation of a Trauma-Informed Program for Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth: The Pilot Program at Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center
In this report, the authors present the results of a process and outcome evaluation of a trauma-informed pilot program run by the Colorado Division of Youth Services (DYS) in one of their residential youth facilities.
Jan 30, 2020
Report
Estimating the Size of the Los Angeles County Jail Mental Health Population Appropriate for Release into Community Services
Researchers studied the Los Angeles County jail mental health population to identify those who would likely be eligible for diversion based on legal and clinical factors with the aim of providing them with needed care and reducing recidivism.
Jan 7, 2020
Journal Article
What Influences Evidence-Based Treatment Sustainment After Implementation Support Ends? A Mixed Method Study of the Adolescent-Community Reinforcement Approach
Our findings lend empirical support for implementation theories in that multiple factors appear to be associated with long-term delivery of an evidence-based treatment.
2020
Report
Los Angeles County Office of Diversion and Reentry's Supportive Housing Program: A Study of Participants' Housing Stability and New Felony Convictions
Los Angeles County is home to the largest jail system in the world and an acute homelessness problem. This report presents generally favorable early interim findings about an initiative that provides housing coupled with case management.
Jul 25, 2019
Journal Article
Program Capacity to Deliver Prevention Services to Children of Adult Clients Receiving Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Most of the publicly-funded SUD-treatment programs in this study reported delivering prevention and early-intervention services for children of their adult clients.
May 29, 2019
Journal Article
Drivers of Continued Implementation of Cultural Competence in Substance Use Disorder Treatment
This study examines whether the key characteristics of organizational decision makers predicted continued implementation of five different practices that represent organizational cultural competence in one of the most diverse substance use disorder treatment systems in the United States.
2019
Report
The Welcome Baby Program: An Implementation and Outcomes Evaluation
This report presents the findings from an evaluation of First 5 LA's Welcome Baby home visitation program.
Dec 11, 2018
Report
Local Evaluation Report for Los Angeles County's Mentally Ill Offender Crime Reduction (MIOCR) Program
RAND researchers assessed a Los Angeles County program to improve outcomes for individuals suffering from mental health disorders who are returning to the community after incarceration.
Sep 7, 2018
Journal Article
Sustaining Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in Primary Care: A Mixed Methods Study
Access to external funding and staff support are two important factors for the sustainability of substance use disorder treatment provision within primary care clinics.
Aug 24, 2018
Journal Article
Patient Predictors of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Initiation in Primary Care
Primary care clinics are opportune settings for the delivery of substance use disorder treatment, but little is known about which patients initiate treatment in these settings.
Jul 1, 2018
Journal Article
A Pilot Test of a Motivational Interviewing Social Network Intervention to Reduce Substance Use Among Housing First Residents
Helping formerly homeless people identify members of their social network who trigger alcohol and other drug (AOD) use may motivate them to reduce high-risk AOD use in the transition to permanent housing.
Mar 1, 2018
Journal Article
Initiation and Engagement as Mechanisms for Change Caused by Collaborative Care in Opioid and Alcohol Use Disorders
This research sheds light on how collaborative care (CC) may work to increase abstinence in a sample of primary care patients with opioid and alcohol use disorders (OAUD).
2018
Journal Article
Predictors of Treatment Initiation for Alcohol Use Disorders in Primary Care
This study suggests that either treatment may not be delivered equitably or that patient preference may be an important factor in determining who gets what treatment.
2018
Research Brief
Housing for Health: A State-of-the-Art Program for Reducing Homelessness in Los Angeles County
This research brief summarizes the findings of a report on Los Angeles County's Housing for Health program and its effects on county costs and on the physical and mental health of people experiencing homelessness.
Dec 27, 2017
Report
Evaluation of Housing for Health Permanent Supportive Housing Program
Los Angeles County's Housing for Health provides supportive housing to patients experiencing homelessness with complex medical and behavioral health needs. This report assesses program structure and goals and effects on service use and expenditures.
Dec 5, 2017
Journal Article
Measuring Sustainment of an Evidence Based Treatment for Adolescent Substance Use
Two composite assessments of quality - one with treatment staffing and delivery elements and the other with clinical supervision elements - can be used to measure the sustainment of evidence-based treatment.
Nov 1, 2017
Journal Article
Factors Associated with an Evidence-Based Measure of Implementation for the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach
This study found two correlates to an evidence-based measure of substance use treatment (A-CRA) implementation.
Nov 1, 2017
Journal Article
Barriers to Integrating the Continuum of Care for Opioid and Alcohol Use Disorders in Primary Care: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study
Some perceived barriers to implementing the continuum of care for opioid and alcohol use disorders in primary care clinics persist over time, but most barriers decreased.
Oct 13, 2017
Journal Article
Building Capacity for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): A Pilot Study
We designed and tested the feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of CQI approaches in substance use disorder treatment settings
Oct 1, 2017
Journal Article
Collaborative Care for Opioid and Alcohol Use Disorders in Primary Care: The SUMMIT Randomized Clinical Trial
Among adults with opioid and alcohol use disorders, a collaborative care intervention—which integrates behavioral health care into primary care—increased both access to treatment and abstinence.
Sep 15, 2017
Tool
Getting To Outcomes® Guide for Community Emergency Preparedness
This Getting To Outcomes guide will help with the planning, implementation, evaluation, continuous quality improvement, and sustainability of community emergency preparedness programs. It includes instructions, completed examples, and blank tools.
Aug 21, 2017
Journal Article
Predicting Evidence-Based Treatment Sustainment: Results from a Longitudinal Study of the Adolescent-Community Reinforcement Approach
Providers' ability to sustain A-CRA programming beyond initial implementation support depended on factors such as the level of implementation success, staff perceptions toward the intervention, funding stability, and community support.
Jul 18, 2017
Report
Impact of Proposition 47 on Los Angeles County Operations and Budget
This report recommends how to measure the impact of Proposition 47 (and future legislative mandates) on Los Angeles County operations and budgets and what metrics should be tracked.
Jun 15, 2017
Journal Article
Relationship Between Provider Stigma and Predictors of Staff Turnover Among Addiction Treatment Providers
Addiction treatment providers are less likely to be satisfied with their work if they hold negative views towards patients with substance abuse disorders.
Jun 6, 2017
Journal Article
Continuous Quality Improvement in Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities: How Much Does It Cost?
The costs of implementing continuous quality improvement activities in substance abuse treatment facilities are relatively low overall.
Apr 26, 2017
Journal Article
Developing Adaptive Interventions for Adolescent Substance Use Treatment Settings: Protocol of an Observational, Mixed-Methods Project
Adaptive interventions (AIs) - sequences of decision rules for altering treatment based on an individual's needs - would benefit substance abuse treatment for adolescents.
Feb 8, 2017
Report
Preventing, Identifying, and Treating Prescription Drug Misuse Among Active-Duty Service Members
This report presents the framework of an analytic tool that can help the military predict future trends in PDM based on current demographics of active-duty service members and rates of injury and prescribing of prescription drugs.
Jan 4, 2017
Journal Article
Implementing the Chronic Care Model for Opioid and Alcohol Use Disorders in Primary Care
This paper describes the process of planning and developing an intervention for delivering treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders in primary care.
2017
Journal Article
Feasibility of a Computer-Assisted Social Network Motivational Interviewing Intervention for Substance Use and HIV Risk Behaviors for Housing First Residents
A motivational interviewing approach that targets social networks to reduce risky behavior was found to be helpful in a focus group of residents and staff of Housing First, a permanent supportive housing organization for formerly homeless people.
Sep 19, 2016
Journal Article
Toward Evidence-Based Measures of Implementation: Examining the Relationship Between Implementation Outcomes and Client Outcomes
The number of discrete procedures implemented in this evidence-based practice for adolescent substance use is associated with better client outcomes.
Aug 1, 2016
Journal Article
A Systematic Review of the Prevention and Treatment of Prescription Drug Misuse
Guidance on how to prevent or treat the misuse of prescription drugs in the U.S. Department of Defense and Veterans Administration is similar to directives outside the military system, and tends to focus on opioids.
May 9, 2016
Journal Article
A Computer-Assisted Motivational Social Network Intervention to Reduce Alcohol, Drug and HIV Risk Behaviors Among Housing First Residents
This pilot study will assess whether coupling social network visualizations with motivational interviewing can help Housing First participants transition away from homelessness and high-risk behaviors, such as substance use and risky sexual activity.
Mar 29, 2016
Journal Article
Bayesian Restricted Spatial Regression for Examining Session Features and Patient Outcomes in Open-Enrollment Group Therapy Studies
Group-based interventions have been developed for treating patients across a range of health conditions.
2016
Journal Article
Introduction to the Special Issue on the Studies on the Implementation of Integrated Models of Alcohol, Tobacco, And/Or Drug Use Interventions and Medical Care
National efforts are underway to integrate medical care and behavioral health treatment.
2016
Tool
Promoting Success: A Getting To Outcomes® Guide to Implementing Continuous Quality Improvement for Community Service Organizations
Describes practical steps for conducting continuous quality improvement in community service organizations.
Dec 17, 2015
Journal Article
The Longitudinal Relationship Between Employment and Substance Use Among At-Risk Adolescents
This paper explores the longitudinal association between employment and alcohol/other drug (AOD) use and consequences among an at-risk youth sample with a first-time AOD offense.
Jun 4, 2015
Journal Article
An Organizational Readiness Intervention and Randomized Controlled Trial to Test Strategies for Implementing Substance Use Disorder Treatment Into Primary Care: SUMMIT Study Protocol
Millions of people who need treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) do not receive it.
May 21, 2015
Journal Article
Longitudinal Family Effects on Substance Use Among an At-Risk Adolescent Sample
Adult and peer factors may influence whether adolescents use alcohol and other drugs (AOD). This longitudinal study examined the direct effects of adult monitoring, perceived adult AOD use, and cultural values on adolescent AOD use.
Feb 1, 2015
Journal Article
Getting to Outcomes®: Evidence of Empowerment Evaluation and Evaluation Capacity Building at Work
This book chapter describes Getting to Outcomes (GTO), an approach to capacity-building that supports empowerment evaluation, and discusses GTO's relationship to empowerment evaluation and evaluation capacity building.
Jan 19, 2015
Journal Article
The Effects of Mental Health Symptoms and Marijuana Expectancies on Marijuana Use and Consequences Among At-Risk Adolescents
Youth with depressive symptoms who believe marijuana will lead to positive effects are more likely to experience negative consequences of use, such as missing school or work or having difficulty concentrating.
2015
Journal Article
Provision of Mental Health Services as a Quality Indicator for Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities
The study tested whether adolescents receiving substance abuse treatment at facilities offering full or partial mental health services have better 12-month substance use and mental health outcomes than youths at facilities with no mental health services.
2015
Journal Article
Examining the Sustainment of the Adolescent-Community Reinforcement Approach in Community Addiction Treatment Settings: Protocol for a Longitudinal Mixed Method Study
Gaining a better understanding of the factors that influence the evidence-based treatment sustainment may lead to more effective dissemination strategies and ultimately improve the quality of care being delivered in community-based addiction treatment settings.
Aug 1, 2014
Report
Process Evaluation of the New Mexico Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Competitive Development Grant
This report describes the evaluation of the New Mexico Home Visiting Competitive Development Grant, which aimed to pilot test the use of implementation supports to improve the development and implementation of home visiting in high-need communities.
Jul 23, 2014
Journal Article
Does Group Cognitive–behavioral Therapy Module Type Moderate Depression Symptom Changes in Substance Abuse Treatment Clients?
In this paper, the authors examine module theme in relationship to depressive symptoms reported during and post-treatment among clients receiving concurrent substance abuse treatment in either a residential or outpatient setting.
Jul 1, 2014
Journal Article
Temporal Associations Between Substance Use and Delinquency Among Youth with a First Time Offense
Substance use and delinquency among adolescents have been shown to be positively associated; however, the temporal relationship is not well understood.
Jun 1, 2014
Report
Substance Use Treatment and Reentry (STAR) Program: Final Evaluation Report
Homeboy Industries, Inc., collaborated with Behavioral Health Services, Inc., and the RAND Corporation to provide recovery services to newly released juvenile offenders in Los Angeles through the Substance Use Treatment and Reentry (STAR) Program.
Apr 28, 2014
Journal Article
Assessing the Generalizability of the CSAT-sponsored GAIN Dataset: Are the CSAT Sites Representative of Adolescent Treatment Programs in the U.S.?
CSAT-funded programs had higher rates of comprehensive mental health assessments, discharge planning, HIV, STD and TB testing, and HIV/AIDS education and support.
Feb 1, 2014
Journal Article
The Cost-Effectiveness of Depression Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders: A Clinical Trial
The authors aimed to determine the economic value of providing on-site group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression to clients receiving residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.
Feb 1, 2014
Journal Article
Treatment of Comorbid Alcohol Use Disorders and Depression with Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and Motivational Interviewing: A Meta-Analysis
Combined cognitive-behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing for clinical or subclinical depressive and alcohol use disorders has a small but clinically significant effect in treatment outcomes compared with treatment as usual.
2014
Journal Article
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) in Addiction Treatment Settings: Design and Intervention Protocol of a Group Randomized Pilot Study
Few studies have designed and tested the use of continuous quality improvement approaches in community based substance use treatment settings. Little is known about the feasibility, costs, efficacy, and sustainment of such approaches in these settings.
2014
Research Brief
How to Develop Home Visiting Programs: A Guide for Communities
Describes the Getting To Outcomes® for Home Visiting manual, a ten-step guide for planning, implementing, and evaluating home visiting programs aimed at improving outcomes for families with young children.
Dec 4, 2013
Journal Article
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Group Motivational Interviewing Intervention for Adolescents with a First Time Alcohol or Drug Offense
Group motivational interviewing (MI) interventions that target youth at-risk for alcohol and other drug (AOD) use may prevent future negative consequences.
Nov 1, 2013
Tool
Getting To Outcomes® for Home Visiting: How to Plan, Implement, and Evaluate a Program in Your Community to Support Parents and Their Young Children
Describes the ten-step Getting To Outcomes® process for planning, implementing, and evaluating home visiting programs aimed at improving outcomes for families with young children.
Sep 24, 2013
Journal Article
Perceived Norms Moderate the Association Between Mental Health Symptoms and Drinking Outcomes Among At-Risk Adolescents
The current study used a sample of 193 at-risk youths with a first-time alcohol and/or other drug offense in the California Teen Court system to explore the moderating role of perceived peer alcohol norms on the association between mental health symptoms and drinking outcomes.
Sep 1, 2013
Journal Article
Training Addiction Counselors to Implement an Evidence-Based Intervention: Strategies for Increasing Organizational and Provider Acceptance
This article makes recommendations for selecting and training addiction counselors to deliver group-base cognitive behavioral therapy for depression and provides suggestions for the structure and process of their ongoing clinical supervision.
May 1, 2013
Journal Article
The Effects of Employment Among Adolescents At-Risk for Future Substance Use
This paper explores the association between work intensity, alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) use, and related risk factors and consequences among an at-risk youth sample that has received a first-time AOD offense.
Mar 1, 2013
Journal Article
Do Client Attributes Moderate the Effectiveness of a Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression in Addiction Treatment?
The study goal was to determine whether client attributes were associated with outcomes from group cognitive behavioral therapy for depression (GCBT-D) as delivered in community-based addiction treatment settings.
2013
Journal Article
Evaluating Treatment Efficacy
The authors discuss behavioral treatment efficacy (non-pharmacological) for substance use.
2013
Journal Article
Intervening with Practitioners to Improve the Quality of Prevention: One-Year Findings from a Randomized Trial of Assets-Getting to Outcomes
This article reports interim findings from a randomized controlled trial evaluating Assets-Getting To Outcomes (AGTO)
2013
Journal Article
Treating Depression and Substance Use: A Randomized Controlled Trial
To meet the call for more "transportable" interventions, the authors conducted a pilot study to test a group cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression and substance use that was designed for delivery by outpatient substance abuse treatment counselors.
Sep 1, 2012
Journal Article
Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Clients with Major Depression in Residential Substance Abuse Treatment
Group cognitive behavioral therapy was an effective treatment for major depression for clients in residential substance abuse treatment, thus extending the effectiveness of group CBT for major depression to a new setting, patient population, and type of provider.
Jun 1, 2012
Journal Article
Assessing Motivational Interviewing Integrity for Group Interventions with Adolescents
This study demonstrates that it is possible to determine whether group motivational interviewing (MI) is implemented with integrity in the group setting and that MI in this setting is different from what takes place in usual care.
May 28, 2012
Journal Article
Assessing and Improving Organizational Readiness to Implement Substance Use Disorder Treatment in Primary Care: Findings from the SUMMIT Study
An organizational readiness intervention improved some implementation outcomes related to integrating treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders in primary care, but not all.
2012
Journal Article
The Effectiveness of Community-Based Delivery of an Evidence-Based Treatment for Adolescent Substance Use
This study evaluates the effectiveness of motivational enhancement therapy/cognitive behavioral therapy–5 (MET/CBT-5) when delivered in community practice settings relative to standard community-based adolescent treatment.
2012
Journal Article
Assessing the Sensitivity of Treatment Effect Estimates to Differential Follow-Up Rates: Implications for Translational Research
The authors developed a new tool for assessing the sensitivity of findings on treatment effectiveness to differential follow-up rates in the two treatment conditions being compared.
2012
Journal Article
Employing Continuous Quality Improvement in Community-Based Substance Abuse Programs
This article aims to describe continuous quality improvement (CQI) for substance abuse prevention and treatment programs in a community-based organization setting.
2012
Journal Article
Establishing and Evaluating the Key Functions of an Interactive Systems Framework Using an Assets-Getting to Outcomes Intervention
Community practitioners can face difficulty in achieving outcomes demonstrated by prevention science.
2012
Journal Article
The Moderating Effects of Group Cognitive–behavioral Therapy for Depression Among Substance Users
This study examined the prospective longitudinal relationship between changes in depressive symptoms on alcohol and or drug use among addiction participants in treatment, and whether group cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression (GCBT-D) moderated the relationship.
2012
Report
A Fidelity Coding Guide for a Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression
Description of fidelity rating tools for the Building Recovery by Improving Goals, Habits, and Thoughts (BRIGHT) and BRIGHT-2 interventions for depression and substance abuse, interrater reliability of measures, and a training plan for coders.
Aug 24, 2011
Journal Article
An Effectiveness Trial of Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Patients with Persistent Depressive Symptoms in Substance Abuse Treatment
Providing group cognitive behavioral therapy for depression to clients with persistent depressive symptoms receiving residential substance abuse treatment is associated with improved depression and substance use outcomes.
Jun 1, 2011
Journal Article
Analysis of Rolling Group Therapy Data Using Conditionally Autoregressive Priors
This article describes a new approach to analyzing client outcomes when a rolling admissions policy is used in group therapy.
2011
Journal Article
Group Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Group treatment for teen alcohol and drug disorders can be enhanced by motivational interviewing, a technique that may be ideally suited to addressing barriers to treating teens in groups because it is inherently collaborative, focusing on achievable approaches for change.
2011
Journal Article
Training Addiction Counselors to Implement CBT for Depression
Training addiction counselors to deliver group therapy can bring effective mental treatment to depressed individuals who are also substance abusers.
2011
Journal Article
Developing a Group Motivational Interviewing Intervention for First-Time Adolescent Offenders At-Risk for an Alcohol or Drug Use Disorder
This study found that using group MI can be an acceptable approach for youth at risk for alcohol or other drug offenses.
2010
Report
National Evaluation of the Demonstration to Improve the Recruitment and Retention of the Direct Service Community Workforce
Evaluates ten demonstrations to increase recruitment and retention among direct service workers -- workers who provide personal assistance or nonmedical services to people who need help with activities of daily living.
Oct 21, 2009
Journal Article
Technical Assistance as a Prevention Capacity-Building Tool: A Demonstration Using the Getting to Outcomes Framework
Demands on community-based prevention programs for performance accountability and positive outcomes are ever increasing in the face of constrained resources. Relatively little is known about how technical assistance (TA) should be structured to benefit community-based organizations and to lead to better outcomes. In this study, data from multiple sources were used to describe an effective TA model designed to improve the capacity of community-based organizations to plan, implement, and evaluate prevention programming.
Oct 1, 2009
Journal Article
A Comparison of Two Depressive Symptomatology Measures in Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Clients
Comorbid depression is common among substance abusers, making routine assessment of depression critical for high-quality care. The authors evaluated two of the most commonly used depressive symptomatology measures in a sample of clients in residential substance abuse treatment settings.
2009
Journal Article
Promoting Evidence-Based Practices: The Adoption of a Prevention Support System in Community Settings
Prevention support systems (PSSs) are designed to help communities implement evidence-based practices (EBPs).
2009
Journal Article
The Getting to Outcomes Demonstration and Evaluation: an Illustration of the Prevention Support System
Communities are increasingly being required by state and federal funders to achieve outcomes and be accountable, yet are often not provided the guidance or the tools needed to successfully meet this challenge.
2008
Report
Getting To Outcomes™: 10 Steps for Achieving Results-Based Accountability
This summary of the Getting To Outcomes (GTO) process provides step-by-step guidance to those in need of a concise, overview-style approach to GTO as they plan, implement, and evaluation substance abuse prevention programs.
Jul 18, 2007
Report
Evaluation of the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Program: Progress During 2004 and 2005
Evaluates the progress of Arkansas' seven health related programs funded by the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.
Mar 26, 2007
Journal Article
Threatened By the Unexpected: Physiological Responses During Social Interactions with Expectancy-Violating Partners
Individuals who violate expectations increase uncertainty during social interactions.
2007
Draft
A Collaboration Between Researchers and Practitioners to Improve Care for Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders in Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment
Describes a community-based intervention trial intended to address the gap in effective service provision for clients in substance abuse treatment programs with co-occurring disorders.
Feb 21, 2006
Research Brief
Getting To Outcomes™: Improving Community-Based Substance-Use Prevention
This research brief summarizes research to create Getting To Outcomes (GTO), a science-based model and support tools to help local groups develop or improve substance-use-prevention programs.
Feb 7, 2006
Journal Article
Acculturation and Driving Under the Influence: A Study of Repeat Offenders
Acculturation may be a risk factor for repeat DUI convictions.
2006
Report
Acculturation and Driving Under the Influence: A Study of Repeat Offenders
Finds that among a sample of Hispanic drivers in California with repeat driving under the influence (DUI) offenses, the less-acculturated members were more likely to report a repeat DUI conviction at two-year follow-up than more-acculturated ones.
Jan 1, 2006
Report
Sexual Readiness, Household Policies, and Other Predictors of Adolescents' Exposure to Sexual Content in Mainstream Entertainment Television
Identifies predictors of adolescents' exposure to the sexual content of television using a national telephone survey of 1,762 adolescents ages 12-17.
2006
Draft
Evaluation of the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Program: Program Advancement in 2005
The Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act, a referendum passed by Arkansans in the Settlement Agreement funds in seven health-related programs. The act also created the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission (ATSC) to monitor and evaluate the performance o...
Oct 10, 2005
Draft
Evaluation of the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Program: Program Advancement in 2005
The Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act, a referendum passed by Arkansans in the Settlement Agreement funds in seven health-related programs. The act also created the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission (ATSC) to monitor and evaluate the performance o...
Oct 10, 2005
Report
Improving Contracting at the City of Los Angeles Airports, Port, and Department of Water and Power
Presents an analysis of a 90-day study to find ways to make the purchasing, contracting, and leasing activities of the Los Angeles World Airports, the Port of Los Angeles, and the Department of Water and Power more transparent and efficient
Jan 14, 2005
Journal Article
Developing a Community Science Research Agenda for Building Community Capacity for Effective Preventive Interventions
Research has shown that prevention programming can improve community health when implemented well.
2005
Journal Article
Research-practice Partners Assess Their First Joint Project
Advisability of consulting collaboratively with clinic staff during the planning of studies and the pretesting of study protocols.
2005
Journal Article
Review of Treatment Recommendations for Persons with a Co-Occurring Affective or Anxiety and Substance Use Disorder
The authors review and evaluate the literature and guidelines on care for individuals with a co-occurring affective or anxiety disorder and substance use disorder.
2005
Journal Article
Training Substance Abuse Treatment Staff to Care for Co-Occurring Disorders
This article describes an intervention to improve the quality of mental health care provided in outpatient substance abuse treatment programs.
2005
Report
Evaluation of the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Program: Progress from Program Inception to 2004
Evaluates the progress and implementation of the Arkansas tobacco settlement program.
Dec 11, 2004
Report
Defining Needs and Managing Performance of Installation Support Contracts: Perspectives from the Commercial Sector
This study describes an analysis of best commercial practices in purchasing facilities services and food services and how buyers and providers apply performance-based practices in their contracts.
2004
Report
Organizational Policy Levers Can Affect Acquisition Reform Implementation in Air Force Repair Contracts
Describes a study of the implementation of innovative practices in Air Force depot maintenance contracts.
2004
Research Brief
Applying Performance-Based Practices to Installation Support Contracts
A new PAF study suggests that as the Air Force extends its use of performance-based practices to contracts for food and facilities services, acquisition planners should consider principles derived from best practices used in the commercial sector.
2004
Research Brief
Does Watching Sex on Television Influence Teens' Sexual Activity?
Two recent studies led by RAND Health behavioral scientist Rebecca Collins examined the impact of TV sex on teenagers' sexual beliefs and activities.
2004
Report
Getting to Outcomes: A Community-Based Participatory Approach to Preventive Interventions
Describes a prevention process and corresponding technical assistance package for substance abuse prevention programs.
2004
Journal Article
Prevalence and Characteristics of Clients with Co-Occurring Disorders in Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment
Identifying people with probable mental health disorders as they enter treatment may increase access to care among those with limited prior access.
2004
Research Brief
Speeding Acquisition Reform in the U.S. Air Force
RAND Project AIR FORCE (PAF) was asked to identify the organizational levers that could motivate acquisition personnel to adopt CREP reforms more quickly.
2004
Journal Article
Watching Sex on Television Predicts Adolescent Initiation of Sexual Behavior
Early sexual initiation is an important social and health issue.
2004
Journal Article
Entertainment Television as a Healthy Sex Educator: The Impact of Condom-Efficacy Information in an Episode of Friends
Television is often decried as a negative influence on the sexual attitudes and behavior of America's adolescents.
2003
Journal Article
Challenge and Threat During Social Interactions with White and Black Men
This research examined the extent to which minority or devalued group members engendered threat reactions from interaction partners.
2002
Report
Implementing Performance-Based Services Acquisition (PBSA): Perspectives from an Air Logistics Center and a Product Center
How an Air Logistics Center and a Product Center apply performance-based practices in their service contracts for weapon systems development and sustainment and installation support.
2002