Identifying gaps and using evidence-based practices to serve the behavioral health treatment needs of medicaid-insured children

The goal of this study was to examine gaps in Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) implementation among behavioral health providers of Medicaid-insured youth. Providers (N = 222) representing 146 unique behavioral health programs were surveyed about EBPs implementation both directly and indirectly. Indirect measures included program characteristics common to EBPs. Frequency, heat mapping, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. Statistical tests included T-tests, analysis of variance, and the Pearson correlation. Self-reported EBPs use was 66.2%, while indirect measures indicated lower actual EBP use (40%). Findings indicate EBPs are not effectively implemented by all behavioral health providers treating Medicaid-insured youth. Further research is needed to understand how these findings impact youths’ behavioral health outcomes. Policies should address the lack of EBP uptake and fidelity by increasing support for providers of Medicaid-insured populations.