Adapting Evidence-Based Practices for Under-Resourced Populations

In September 2022, the Substance Abuse  and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published a new guide to assist mental health and substance use practitioners in the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) across both the mental health and substance use disorder fields, focusing “on research supporting adaptations of EBPs for under-resourced populations.

This guide describes cultural adaptations of EBPs for under-resourced populations and the steps in the adaptation process. Under-resourced communities are defined population groups that experience greater obstacles to health, based on characteristics such as, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, religion, income, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability

The adaptation process is detailed so that practitioners can tailor interventions and implement the tailored interventions in their individual programs. Adaptations involve tailoring care, programs, and services to the cultural, social, gender, and demographic contexts of the people served to yield positive outcomes[1]”.

For more resources on addressing social determinants of health in the mental health and substance use disorder fields, please see the AHRQ Academy’s MAT for OUD Tools and Resources.