Blacksburg VA 24061-0355
About Us
The Science and Practice Integration (SPI) laboratory examines ways to build a bidirectional bridge between clinical research and clinical practice. We strive to maximize the acceptability and usefulness of scientifically grounded practices (e.g., assessment, intervention, prevention) in settings where practitioners deliver services.
Our research topics include:
- Implementation of measurement-based care to improve treatment effectiveness and clinical decision making
- Dissemination of adaptations of empirically supported treatments to increase generalizability of psychological intervention
- Identification and amelioration of barriers to care for diverse populations
*We are accepting accepting undergraduate research assistant (URA) applications for Fall 2023. Due date for applications is Sept.1st, 2023. We are especially interested in recruiting sophomores and juniors. We will consider seniors who are graduating end of Spring 2024.*
**Not Accepting Graduate Students for Fall 2024 Admission**
Current Research Projects
Measurement-Based Care
Measurement-based care (MBC) is the evaluation of client symptoms and well-being to inform treatment. Although MBC has been found to improve therapeutic outcomes, it is under-utilized by clinicians . As such, a gap exists between the effectiveness of MBC and clinician use of MBC. To help improve clinician utilization, we believe the study of MBC training, along with the development of brief yet accurate measures, are critical,
Adaptation of Empirically Supported Treatment
Empirically supported treatment (EST) exists for a variety of mental health conditions. However, the ability of ESTs to effectively address clinical problems across diversity of clients is questioned. Hence, a gap exists between efficacious treatments and the practice of providing effective services. We believe bridging the gap of generalizability across different settings and populations lies in a “flexibility within fidelity” approach. Flexibility within fidelity refers to the implementation of an empirically supported treatment protocol that contains the core ingredients but also adapts to individual client presentation.
Barriers to Care
Seeking care for mental health can be complicated by cultural factors that influence the perceptions and willingness to engage in treatment. We hope to better understand how help-seeking varies in relation to racial and ethnic factors, and find ways to improve access to care.
Join Us
Prospective Undergraduate Research Assistants
We welcome highly motivated and conscientious undergraduate research assistants (URAs) to be involved in the research.
Research assistants will be given opportunities on various research projects and receive basic research method training.
Excellent URAs will receive recommendations for graduate school and job applications, as well as experience preparing research presentations and publications.
To apply to be an URA, please email Dr. Lee Cooper at ldcooper@vt.edu with your interest.
*We are not accepting URA applications at this time."