Bridging the Researcher-Therapist Communication Gap

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Many in the addictions field believe there is a lack of communication between researchers, who study addictions-related issues and develop new treatment interventions, and practitioners, who work with patients in treatment settings delivering therapeutic services every day.

A new study at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) aims to help eliminate that communication gap with a new therapist-training program and a two-way knowledge exchange between researchers and therapists.

The study is supported by a $1.6 million award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to Christopher Barrick, Ph.D., a psychologist and RIA research scientist.

"We are developing a state-of-the-science, innovative model to offer clinicians training in substance abuse treatment and intervention skills," Barrick explained. "Designed and refined with community practitioners' practical experiences, impressions and feedback, this clinical resource for therapists will incorporate the Internet and laptop computers we provide. The multimedia format is designed to be easy-to-use and engaging, with equally effective training for in-person settings and distance-learning situations. Several of the trainings will be offered via UB's distance-learning network, allowing us to reach clinicians throughout the Western New York region."

Barrick's co-investigators on the study include R. Lorraine Collins, Ph.D., RIA senior research scientist and research professor in the Department of Psychology in the UB College of Arts and Sciences, and Nancy Smyth, Ph.D., associate professor and dean of the UB School of Social Work and RIA associate research scientist.

Barrick noted that behavioral couples therapy (BCT) -- focusing on relationship issues, the individual satisfaction of the two partners, violence that may be occurring and the basic stability of the partnership -- was selected as the training topic for this study.

"The interest expressed by therapists in the community about BCT and its demonstrated effectiveness in substance-abuse treatment makes it a natural choice," he added.

Barrick joined RIA in 1999 following an internship at the Buffalo VA Hospital. He is president of the UB Graduate School of Education Alumni Association.

The Research Institute on Addictions has been a leader in the study of addictions since 1970 and a research center of the University at Buffalo since 1999.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, the largest and most comprehensive campus in the State University of New York.