The research potential of administrative data from state mental health agencies.

Three data sets profiling the organization, financing, and services of state mental health agencies, compiled routinely for all states, were examined to assess their potential for use in mental health policy analyses. Strengths included standardized protocols for compiling data at the state level, a high degree of completeness in two of the data sets, consistency in data definitions over time, and built-in data integrity and editing procedures. Data are aggregated at the state level and lack user-friendly features that facilitate downloading to statistical software.

Lessons learned in implementing evidence-based practices: implications for psychiatric administrators.

Factors related to the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) are discussed. Extensive effort is required to successfully implement and sustain EBPs that improve clinical outcomes. There is a rapid rate of discovery of new EBPs.

Factors associated with interagency coordination in a child mental health service system demonstration.

Understanding the determinants of coordination between agencies in children's mental health service systems is important for program planning and evaluation. This article reports on the findings of a multiple regression analysis that examined factors associated with coordination between 63 agencies during a child mental health service demonstration. Greater coordination of activities was significantly associated with dyads that (a) helped each other attain individual agency goals (p<.

Assessing the implementation and effects of a trauma-focused intervention for youths in residential treatment.

This paper describes methods being used to implement and assess the effects of a trauma-focused intervention in residential treatment programs for youths with emotional and behavioral problems, and histories of maltreatment and exposure to family or community violence. Preliminary baseline profiles of the therapeutic environments and youths are also presented. The intervention, referred to as the Sanctuary Model (Bloom, 1997), is based in social psychiatry, trauma theories, therapeutic community philosophy, and cognitive-behavioral approaches.