ABSTRACT
Those in the field of social work education are continuously looking for methods to enhance the production of competent, effective MSWs. One approach is to provide enhanced training programs to select groups of students. Historically, research on these programs has been limited other than for Title IV-E programs. The current study assesses a Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program project. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the project. Quantitative survey data assessed participants’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, and practices related to key project competencies. The qualitative data gathered explored participants’ lived experiences of the project. Results reflect increased understanding and self-reported proficiency in regard to project competencies. Additionally, the qualitative themes indicate project benefits as well as areas for improvement. This study adds to the research literature regarding the effectiveness of enhanced training programs for increasing the knowledge and skills of MSWs.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Amy D. Benton
Amy D. Benton is Project Director and Associate Professor at Texas State University, San Marcos. Erica Feinman is Therapist at Brooklyn Center for Psychotherapy. Elizabeth D. Gonzalez is Mental Health Clinician at Psicología Psychology. Alexandra J. Rosen, LMSW, is Staff Counselor at Therapy Austin. Lindsey N. Anderson is Project Coordinator at Texas State University.
Erica Feinman
Amy D. Benton is Project Director and Associate Professor at Texas State University, San Marcos. Erica Feinman is Therapist at Brooklyn Center for Psychotherapy. Elizabeth D. Gonzalez is Mental Health Clinician at Psicología Psychology. Alexandra J. Rosen, LMSW, is Staff Counselor at Therapy Austin. Lindsey N. Anderson is Project Coordinator at Texas State University.
Elizabeth D. Gonzalez
Amy D. Benton is Project Director and Associate Professor at Texas State University, San Marcos. Erica Feinman is Therapist at Brooklyn Center for Psychotherapy. Elizabeth D. Gonzalez is Mental Health Clinician at Psicología Psychology. Alexandra J. Rosen, LMSW, is Staff Counselor at Therapy Austin. Lindsey N. Anderson is Project Coordinator at Texas State University.
Alexandra J. Rosen
Amy D. Benton is Project Director and Associate Professor at Texas State University, San Marcos. Erica Feinman is Therapist at Brooklyn Center for Psychotherapy. Elizabeth D. Gonzalez is Mental Health Clinician at Psicología Psychology. Alexandra J. Rosen, LMSW, is Staff Counselor at Therapy Austin. Lindsey N. Anderson is Project Coordinator at Texas State University.
Lindsey Anderson
Amy D. Benton is Project Director and Associate Professor at Texas State University, San Marcos. Erica Feinman is Therapist at Brooklyn Center for Psychotherapy. Elizabeth D. Gonzalez is Mental Health Clinician at Psicología Psychology. Alexandra J. Rosen, LMSW, is Staff Counselor at Therapy Austin. Lindsey N. Anderson is Project Coordinator at Texas State University.