CAP Profiles

Bio

Bio

Dr. Heather J. Gotham is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, and member of the Center for Behavioral Health Services and Implementation Research in the Division of Public Mental Health & Population Sciences.

She is the Director of the Network Coordinating Office of the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network funded by SAMHSA. The MHTTC Network consists of 10 regional centers, a National American Indian & Alaska Native Center, and a National Hispanic & Latino Center. The overarching goal of this network is the implementation and sustainment of evidence-based mental health prevention, treatment, and recovery support practices across US states and territories. She is also a consultant on two National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) funded projects studying the implementation of substance use disorder screening and treatment approaches in HIV care settings.

Dr. Gotham has served as principal investigator, co-investigator or evaluator on SAMHSA, NIH, HRSA, and CDC grants. Her research focuses on implementation science, including factors affecting implementation, training and education of health care providers, and longitudinal course of implementation. Topics include substance use and mental health treatments for adolescents and adults, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, and screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT).

Dr. Gotham assisted in the development of the Dual Diagnosis Capability in Addiction Treatment (DDCAT) index with Mark McGovern, and led the development of the Dual Diagnosis Capability in Mental Health Treatment (DDCMHT) index. She co-authored practice guidelines for co-occurring disorders treatment in the State of Missouri, and led the evaluation for Missouri’s COSIG (Co-occurring State Infrastructure Grant) grant as well as another foundation-funded multi-site co-occurring disorders initiative. She has served on several national and state-level expert panels, and provided training and technical assistance on co-occurring disorders at the national, state, and local levels.

Paired with her work in assisting providers to implement clinical protocols, Dr. Gotham has significant experience in clinical teaching and training behavioral health and health care students and professionals. This work includes serving as the supervisor of a clinical research rotation in an APA-approved psychology internship, and designing curricula and providing training and technical assistance to behavioral health and health professionals on treatments for adult and adolescent substance use disorders (including opioid use disorder), implementing EBPs into behavioral health settings, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders and treatment, integrating behavioral and primary health, and SBIRT. Dr. Gotham led two SAMHSA-funded SBIRT health professions training grants, developing didactic, role play, standardized patient scenarios, and training vignettes for SBIRT, and teaching medical students and residents; baccalaureate and advanced practice nursing, dental, dental hygiene, master’s level social work, and clinical psychology PhD students; medical, dental, nursing, and behavioral health faculty; clinical preceptors; and community healthcare providers. She also has experience developing interactive online training.

Academic Appointments

  • Clinical Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Professional Education

  • Psychological Resident, St. Louis VA Medical Center, Medical/Health Psychology (2000)
  • PhD, University of Missouri-Columbia, Clinical Psychology (1999)
  • Internship, St. Louis VA Medical Center, Clinical Psychology (1999)
  • MA, New School for Social Research, General Psychology (1993)
  • BA, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Psychology (1991)

Contact

Links

Research & Scholarship

Projects

  • Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network Coordinating Office, Stanford University School of Medicine (8/15/2018 - 8/14/2023)

    The SAMHSA-funded MHTTC Network, with 10 Regional Centers, 2 National Focus Area Centers, and a Network Coordinating Office, develops and disseminates resources, and provides training and technical assistance, to accelerate the implementation of mental health related evidence-based practices. Stanford University School of Medicine’s Center for Behavioral Health Services and Implementation Research houses the Network Coordinating Office, which serves as the focal point and provides leadership, infrastructure, and support to the MHTTC Network.

    Location

    1520 Page Mill Rd, Palo Alto

    Collaborators

    • Mark McGovern, Professor, Stanford University School of Medicine
    • Steven Adelsheim, Clinical Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
    • Kate Hardy, Clinical Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
    • Shannon Wiltsey Stirman, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Public Mental Health and Population Sciences) at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Stanford University School of Medicine

Publications

All Publications

  • Implementing Substance Use Screening in Family Planning JNP-JOURNAL FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS Gotham, H. J., Wilson, K., Carlson, K., Rodriguez, G., Kuofie, A., Witt, J. 2019; 15 (4): 306–10

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.nurpra.2019.01.009

    View details for Web of Science ID 000463189100020

  • Distance Versus On-Site Educational Strategies for Competency-Based Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment Education JOURNAL OF ADDICTIONS NURSING Kelly, P., Gotham, H. J., Knopf-Amelung, S., Kohnle, K., Kuofie, A. 2018; 29 (4): E1–E8

    Abstract

    Although the individual and public health consequences of alcohol and drug use are substantial, nursing education programs generally lack content on addiction. The goal of this evaluation was to compare the initial outcomes of on-site versus distance methods for training graduate nurse practitioner students in Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for substance use.A nonrandomized two-group pretest-posttest design was used to compare knowledge, attitudes, and skills learning outcomes between on-site (n = 45) and distance (n = 18) family or adult/geriatric Master of Science in Nursing nurse practitioner students receiving SBIRT training.Overall, students increased their knowledge, attitudes, and confidence about screening and intervening with patients who use substances; showed a high level of skills in conducting a brief intervention to motivate patients to reduce their substance use; and were highly satisfied with the education provided. Counseling confidence and gains in knowledge were similar across groups. Compared with distance students, on-site students reported significantly more positive attitudes about their role adequacy, role legitimacy, and role support for intervening with alcohol use and about their role support for intervening with drug use. On-site students had greater training satisfaction, but distance students' skills assessed through standardized patient interactions were significantly better.Both on-site and distance training were effective instructional methods to increase SBIRT knowledge and skills. However, differences in attitudes, training satisfaction, and skills demonstration should be taken into account when designing addiction training using distance technologies.

    View details for PubMedID 30507825

  • Comparison of Instructional Methods for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment for Substance Use in Nursing Education NURSE EDUCATOR Knopf-Amelung, S., Gotham, H., Kuofie, A., Young, P., Stinson, R., Lynn, J., Barker, K., Hildreth, J. 2018; 43 (3): 123–27

    Abstract

    Most nursing programs lack curriculum on substance use. This project evaluated 3 didactic instructional methods for teaching baccalaureate nursing students about screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for substance use. In-person, asynchronous narrated slides and interactive online instructional methods were all effective in developing students' competency; however, active learning methods (in-person and interactive online course) were more effective in changing students' attitudes about their role in screening and intervening for drug use.

    View details for PubMedID 28817479

  • The relationship between several staff-reported mechanism of change measures and an independently rated measure of implementation integrity Garner, B., Kaiser, D., Bradshaw, M., Ball, L., Wolfe, A., Ford, J., Zehner, M., Gotham, H., Rieckmann, T., Chaple, M., Speck, K., Vandersloot, D., Roosa, M., Martino, S. BIOMED CENTRAL LTD. 2018

    View details for Web of Science ID 000428649900021

  • Testing the effectiveness of a motivational interviewing-based brief intervention for substance use as an adjunct to usual care in community-based AIDS service organizations: study protocol for a multisite randomized controlled trial ADDICTION SCIENCE & CLINICAL PRACTICE Garner, B. R., Gotham, H. J., Tueller, S. J., Ball, E. L., Kaiser, D., Stilen, P., Speck, K., Vandersloot, D., Rieckmann, T. R., Chaple, M., Martin, E. G., Martino, S. 2017; 12: 31

    Abstract

    In 2010, the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States was released and included three goals: (1) reducing the number of people who become infected with HIV, (2) increasing access to care and improving health outcomes for people living with HIV, and (3) reducing HIV-related health disparities and health inequities. In 2013, as part of its effort to help address the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) funded a type 2 effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial titled the Substance Abuse Treatment to HIV Care (SAT2HIV) Project. Aim 1 of the SAT2HIV Project tests the effectiveness of a motivational interviewing-based brief intervention (MIBI) for substance use as an adjunct to usual care within AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) as part of its MIBI Experiment. Aim 2 of the SAT2HIV Project tests the effectiveness of implementation and sustainment facilitation (ISF) as an adjunct to the Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) model for training staff in motivational interviewing as part of its ISF Experiment. The current paper describes the study protocol for the ISF Experiment.As part of a multisite randomized controlled trial, individuals with comorbid HIV/AIDS and problematic substance use are randomized to receive either the ASOs' usual care (control condition) or usual care plus a MIBI for substance use (experimental condition) delivered by trained ASO case-management staff. Primary outcome measures are reductions in days of primary substance use, number of substance-related problems, times engaging in risky behaviors, days of non-adherence to HIV medications, and increases in substance use treatment. As part of this paper, we describe the trial protocol in accordance with the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials guidelines.If successfully able to implement MIBI as an effective adjunct to usual care, the current trial may have a significant impact on increasing the capacity of ASOs to address problematic substance use among individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Reducing the prevalence of problematic substance use among individuals living with HIV/AIDS within the United States may lead to significant improvements on key performance measures (i.e., the HIV Care Continuum and the 90-90-90 target). Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02495402.

    View details for PubMedID 29149914

  • Testing the implementation and sustainment facilitation (ISF) strategy as an effective adjunct to the Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) strategy: study protocol for a cluster randomized trial ADDICTION SCIENCE & CLINICAL PRACTICE Garner, B. R., Zehner, M., Roosa, M. R., Martino, S., Gotham, H. J., Ball, E. L., Stilen, P., Speck, K., Vandersloot, D., Rieckmann, T. R., Chaple, M., Martin, E. G., Kaiser, D., Ford, J. H. 2017; 12: 32

    Abstract

    Improving the extent to which evidence-based practices (EBPs)-treatments that have been empirically shown to be efficacious or effective-are integrated within routine practice is a well-documented challenge across numerous areas of health. In 2014, the National Institute on Drug Abuse funded a type 2 effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial titled the substance abuse treatment to HIV Care (SAT2HIV) Project. Aim 1 of the SAT2HIV Project tests the effectiveness of a motivational interviewing-based brief intervention (MIBI) for substance use as an adjunct to usual care within AIDS service organizations (ASOs) as part of its MIBI Experiment. Aim 2 of the SAT2HIV Project tests the effectiveness of implementation and sustainment facilitation (ISF) as an adjunct to the Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) model for training staff in motivational interviewing as part of its ISF Experiment. The current paper describes the study protocol for the ISF Experiment.Using a cluster randomized design, case management and leadership staff from 39 ASOs across the United States were randomized to receive either the ATTC strategy (control condition) or the ATTC + ISF strategy (experimental condition). The ATTC strategy is staff-focused and includes 10 discrete strategies (e.g., provide centralized technical assistance, conduct educational meetings, provide ongoing consultation). The ISF strategy is organization-focused and includes seven discrete strategies (e.g., use an implementation advisor, organize implementation team meetings, conduct cyclical small tests of change). Building upon the exploration-preparation-implementation-sustainment (EPIS) framework, the effectiveness of the ISF strategy is examined via three staff-level measures: (1) time-to-proficiency (i.e., preparation phase outcome), (2) implementation effectiveness (i.e., implementation phase outcome), and (3) level of sustainment (i.e., sustainment phase outcome).Although not without limitations, the ISF experiment has several strengths: a highly rigorous design (randomized, hypothesis-driven), high-need setting (ASOs), large sample size (39 ASOs), large geographic representation (23 states and the District of Columbia), and testing along multiple phases of the EPIS continuum (preparation, implementation, and sustainment). Thus, study findings will significantly improve generalizable knowledge regarding the best preparation, implementation, and sustainment strategies for advancing EBPs along the EPIS continuum. Moreover, increasing ASO's capacity to address substance use may improve the HIV Care Continuum. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03120598.

    View details for PubMedID 29149909

  • Reflecting on care: Using reflective journaling to evaluate interprofessional education and clinical practicum experiences in two urban primary care clinics Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice Bzowyckyj, A. S., Brommelsiek, M., Lofgreen, M., Gotham, H. J., Lindsey, C. C. 2017; 8: 6-9

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.xjep.2017.04.003

  • Consider the setting: Challenges in integrating Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment into nursing and social work students’ clinical practice Journal of Addictive Behaviors, Therapy & Rehabilitation Knopf-Amelung, S., Gotham, H., Kuofie, A. 2017; 6

    View details for DOI 10.4172/2324-9005.1000160

  • Evoking a reciprocity of caring: Integration of a humanities-based content into an interprofessional education immersion course for advanced practice nursing and health professions students Journal of Nursing Education and Practice Brommelsiek, M., Gotham, H. J., Peterson, J. A. 2016; 6: 10-121

    View details for DOI 10.5430/jnep.v6n9p110

  • Integrating substance use disorder and health care services in an era of health reform: Models, interventions, and implementation strategies American Journal of Medical Research Sacks, S., Gotham, H. J., Johnson, K., Padwa, H., Murphy, D., Krom, L. 2016; 3: 75-124

    View details for DOI 10.22381/AJMR3120163

  • Nursing Students' Experiences With Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment for Substance Use in the Clinical/Hospital Setting JOURNAL OF ADDICTIONS NURSING Braxter, B. J., Puskar, K., Mitchell, A. M., Hagle, H., Gotham, H., Terry, M. 2014; 25 (3): 122–29

    Abstract

    Although Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an effective early intervention when used across healthcare settings, its implementation has been difficult, in part because of lack of training, healthcare providers' feelings of low self-efficacy in performing SBIRT, and negative attitudes about people who use alcohol and drugs. This study used qualitative descriptive methods to examine baccalaureate nursing students' experiences with practicing SBIRT in clinical rotations following in-depth classroom work and skill-based training. Fifty-five junior level nursing students participated in four focus groups. Three overarching themes describe students' experiences with SBIRT. Students expressed a positive impact of the training on their attitudes and feelings of self-efficacy regarding the use of SBIRT, differences in opinions about whether SBIRT should be used universally with all patients or as a targeted intervention with only some patients, and that SBIRT is a nursing responsibility. These results suggest that education and training can affect attitudes and efficacy, but that attention needs to be paid to how SBIRT is implemented within different healthcare settings.

    View details for PubMedID 25202808

  • Dual Diagnosis Capability in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Services: An Assessment of Programs Across Multiple State Systems ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH McGovern, M. P., Lambert-Harris, C., Gotham, H. J., Claus, R. E., Xie, H. 2014; 41 (2): 205-214

    Abstract

    Despite increased awareness of the benefits of integrated services for persons with co-occurring substance use and psychiatric disorders, estimates of the availability of integrated services vary widely. The present study utilized standardized measures of program capacity to address co-occurring disorders, the dual diagnosis capability in addiction treatment and dual diagnosis capability in mental health treatment indexes, and sampled 256 programs across the United States. Approximately 18 % of addiction treatment and 9 % of mental health programs met criteria for dual diagnosis capable services. This is the first report on public access to integrated services using objective measures.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s10488-012-0449-1

    View details for Web of Science ID 000331200300006

    View details for PubMedID 23183873

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3594447

  • Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment Overview of and Student Satisfaction with an Undergraduate Addiction Training Program for Nurses JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSOCIAL NURSING AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Mitchell, A. M., Puskar, K., Hagle, H., Gotham, H. J., Talcott, K. S., Terhorst, L., Fioravanti, M., Kane, I., Hulsey, E., Luongo, P., Burns, H. K. 2013; 51 (10): 29–37

    Abstract

    Preparing nursing students to apply an evidence-based screening and brief intervention approach with patients has the potential to reduce patients' risky alcohol and drug use. Responding to Mollica, Hyman, and Mann's article published in 2011, the current article describes implementation results of an Addiction Training for Nurses program of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) embedded within an undergraduate nursing curriculum. Results reveal that students in other schools of nursing would benefit from similar, significant training on substance use disorders and SBIRT. Training satisfaction surveys (N = 488) indicate students were satisfied with the quality of the training experience. More than 90% of students strongly agreed or agreed that the training was relevant to their nursing careers and would help their patients. Additional clinical practice and skill development may increase students' reported effectiveness in working with the topic area of substance use and SBIRT.

    View details for DOI 10.3928/02793695-20130628-01

    View details for Web of Science ID 000327138200012

    View details for PubMedID 23855435

  • Confirming the factor structure of the alcohol and alcohol problems questionnaire (AAPPQ) in a sample of baccalaureate nursing students RESEARCH IN NURSING & HEALTH Terhorst, L., Gotham, H. J., Puskar, K. R., Mitchell, A. M., Talcott, K. S., Braxter, B., Hagle, H., Fioravanti, M., Woomer, G. R. 2013; 36 (4): 412–22

    Abstract

    The Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perception Questionnaire (AAPPQ) is a multi-dimensional measure of clinicians' attitudes toward working with patients with alcohol problems. In the past 35 years, five- and six-subscale versions and a short version of the AAPPQ have been published. While the reliability of the AAPPQ subscales has remained acceptable, the factor structure has not been verified using confirmatory techniques. In the current study, we split a sample of 299 baccalaureate nursing students to use exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). When compared to the original six-factor solution and an imposed six-factor structure in CFA, the EFA seven-factor solution with three original items (19, 20, and 25) removed had the best model fit.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/nur.21537

    View details for Web of Science ID 000322003900009

    View details for PubMedID 23633092

  • Effects of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Education and Training on Nursing Students' Attitudes Toward Working With Patients Who Use Alcohol and Drugs SUBSTANCE ABUSE Puskar, K., Gotham, H. J., Terhorst, L., Hagle, H., Mitchell, A. M., Braxter, B., Fioravanti, M., Kane, I., Talcott, K. S., Woomer, G. R., Burns, H. K. 2013; 34 (2): 122–28

    Abstract

    Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) can reduce alcohol use and negative health outcomes in patients with risky substance use. However, negative attitudes that some health care professionals have toward patients who use substances are a barrier to implementing SBIRT.The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, in partnership with the Institute for Research, Education, and Training in Addictions (IRETA), developed a curriculum to train baccalaureate student nurses to deliver SBIRT.Following SBIRT education and training, students' perceived attitudes toward patients who use alcohol became more positive. Less robust changes were found for attitudes related to patients who use drugs.Nurses composing the largest group of healthcare workers are in key positions to screen, intervene, and provide education about substance use.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/08897077.2012.715621

    View details for Web of Science ID 000317742700009

    View details for PubMedID 23577905

  • Assessing the Co-occurring Capability of Mental Health Treatment Programs: the Dual Diagnosis Capability in Mental Health Treatment (DDCMHT) Index JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES & RESEARCH Gotham, H. J., Brown, J. L., Comaty, J. E., McGovern, M. P., Claus, R. E. 2013; 40 (2): 234-241

    Abstract

    The Dual Diagnosis Capability in Mental Health Treatment (DDCMHT) Index was developed to assess the capability of mental health programs to provide substance abuse and co-occurring treatment services. The DDCMHT is an objective scale rated following a site visit that includes semi-structured interviews with staff at all levels, review of program documents and client charts, and ethnographic observation of the milieu and setting. Using data from 67 mental health programs across six states, this study found that the DDCMHT had excellent total score reliability, variable subscale reliability, high inter-rater reliability (n = 18), and moderate construct validity (n = 22). Results also suggest that many mental health programs are at a relatively low level of capability for the delivery of care to individuals with co-occurring disorders. Results from this important new benchmark measure, the DDCMHT, can be used with programs in implementation planning and with treatment systems, states, or national organizations to guide policy change.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s11414-012-9317-8

    View details for Web of Science ID 000318518100009

    View details for PubMedID 23334656

  • Curriculum Infusion of SBIRT into a Baccalaureate Nursing School Puskar, K., Burns, H. K., Terhorst, L., Gotham, H. J., Hagle, H., Mitchell, A., Braxter, B., Fioravanti, M., Kane, I., Talcott, K. S., Woomer, G. R. ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. 2012: 218

    View details for Web of Science ID 000306464200063

  • Addiction training for undergraduate nurses using screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment Journal of Nursing Education and Practice Burns, H., Puskar, K., Flaherty, M. T., Mitchell, A. M., Hagle, H., Braxter, B., Fioravanti, M., Gotham, H. J., Kane, I., Talcott, K. S., Tershorst, L., Woomer, G. 2012; 2 (4): 167-177

    View details for DOI 10.5430/jnep.v2n4p167

  • Research to practice in addiction treatment: key terms and a field-driven model of technology transfer. Journal of substance abuse treatment 2011; 41 (2): 169–78

    Abstract

    The transfer of new technologies (e.g., evidence-based practices) into substance abuse treatment organizations often occurs long after they have been developed and shown to be effective. Transfer is slowed, in part, due to a lack of clear understanding about all that is needed to achieve full implementation of these technologies. Such misunderstanding is exacerbated by inconsistent terminology and overlapping models of an innovation, including its development and validation, dissemination to the public, and implementation or use in the field. For this reason, a workgroup of the Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network developed a field-driven conceptual model of the innovation process that more precisely defines relevant terms and concepts and integrates them into a comprehensive taxonomy. The proposed definitions and conceptual framework will allow for improved understanding and consensus regarding the distinct meaning and conceptual relationships between dimensions of the technology transfer process and accelerate the use of evidence-based practices.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jsat.2011.02.006

    View details for PubMedID 21466943

  • Increasing program capability to provide treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental disorders: Organizational characteristics JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT Gotham, H. J., Claus, R. E., Selig, K., Homer, A. L. 2010; 38 (2): 160–69

    Abstract

    The Dual Diagnosis Capability in Addiction Treatment and the Dual Diagnosis Capability in Mental Health Treatment indexes were used to document change in the capability of 14 substance abuse and mental health agencies to provide services to clients with co-occurring substance use and mental disorders (COD). COD capability significantly increased over 2 years, with the largest improvements seen in client assessment and staff training for COD. The role of agency structural characteristics and organizational readiness for change was also investigated. The study found modest evidence that some structural characteristics (e.g., agency size) and organizational readiness for change were related to increased COD capability. Further study is needed of how these factors affect implementation and fidelity to evidence-based practices, including how programs might compensate for or modify the effects of organizational factors to enhance implementation efforts.

    View details for PubMedID 19717273

  • Victimization among African-American adolescents in substance abuse treatment JOURNAL OF PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS Perron, B. E., Gotham, H. J., Cho, D. 2008; 40 (1): 67–75

    Abstract

    Victimization is regarded as a significant public health issue, especially among adolescents in urban areas. Although victimization is linked to substance use, the research on victimization among adolescents in treatment is underdeveloped. Given the high rate of victimization among African-American adolescents, further research on the prevalence and correlates of victimization for this population is needed. This knowledge can guide the development of effective treatment and prevention strategies. This study contributed to the research by examining the rate and different types of victimization among a sample of African-American adolescents in an urban substance abuse treatment program, testing whether victimization is associated with increased levels of psychopathology and high-risk behaviors; and comparing the rates and associations with existing studies of adolescent victimization. It reports on a sample of 259 African-American adolescents receiving substance abuse treatment in an inner-city program. Fifty-four percent of the subjects reported lifetime victimization. Severity of victimization was associated with depression, generalized anxiety disorder, traumatic stress disorder, and conduct disorder, although the effect sizes were relatively small. Lifetime victimization exhibited a relationship of small to moderate strength with high-risk behaviors (i.e., illegal activity, gang membership, multiple sex partners and unprotected sex). Service implications and recommendations for future research are provided.

    View details for DOI 10.1080/02791072.2008.10399762

    View details for Web of Science ID 000254845500008

    View details for PubMedID 18472666

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4112386

  • An implementation story: Moving the GAIN from pilot project to statewide use JOURNAL OF PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS Gotham, H. J., White, M. K., Bergethon, H. S., Feeney, T., Cho, D. W., Keehn, B. 2008; 40 (1): 97–107

    Abstract

    Similar to implementing an evidence-based practice (EPB), implementing an evidence-based assessment (EBA) is a long, complex process that can take several years to complete. Between 2002 and 2007, the state of Missouri first piloted the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs-Initial (GAIN-I; Dennis et al. 2006) assessment at one state-contracted adolescent substance abuse treatment program and then implemented the GAIN statewide. This case study documents the implementation process through Fixsen and colleagues' (2005) six stages of implementation, from exploration and adoption through sustainability, and outlines challenges and solutions encountered at the external, organizational, and individual staff level. Strengths of this project included recognition that implementation is an ongoing multistep process, strong support by state-level staff, contracting with an external purveyor for ongoing technical assistance at the agency level as well as training of front-line clinicians, and an implementation team comprised of stakeholders at multiple levels.

    View details for PubMedID 18472669

  • Advancing the implementation of evidence-based practices into clinical practice: How do we get there from here? PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY-RESEARCH AND PRACTICE Gotham, H. J. 2006; 37 (6): 606–13

    View details for DOI 10.1037/0735-7028.37.6.606

    View details for Web of Science ID 000242690700004

  • Trajectories of dynamic predictors of disorder: Their meanings and implications Sher, K. J., Gotham, H. J., Watson, A. L. CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS. 2004: 825–56

    Abstract

    Developmental psychopathologists are increasingly focused on characterizing heterogeneity of trajectories of psychological disorders across the life course (e.g., developmentally limited vs. chronic forms of disorder). Although the developmental significance of trajectories has been highlighted, there has been little attention to relations between trajectories and their etiologically and clinically relevant time-varying covariates (dynamic predictors). Depending upon the functional relation between a disorder and a dynamic predictor, we expect to see different trajectories of dynamic predictors. Thus, we propose a taxonomy of trajectories of dynamic predictors of course of disorder and provide an initial investigation into its validity. Using a mixed-gender, high-risk sample of young adults followed over 7 years, we identified dynamic predictors that covary with the course of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Based on a logically derived classification to facilitate interpretation of findings, three comparison groups were examined: persons whose AUD "remitted" (n = 33), those with a chronic AUD (n = 29), and nondiagnosers (n = 274). We hypothesized seven patterns of dynamic prediction (stable vulnerability indicators, course trackers, deterioration markers, developmentally specific variables, developmental lag markers, course-referenced variables, and recovery behaviors) and found evidence for five of them. The interpretation of markers of risk for development and course of AUDs and their implications for prevention, early intervention and formal/self-change treatments are discussed.

    View details for PubMedID 15704817

  • Diffusion of mental health and substance abuse treatments: Development, dissemination, and implementation CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY-SCIENCE AND PRACTICE Gotham, H. J. 2004; 11 (2): 160–76

    View details for DOI 10.1093/clipsy/bph067

    View details for Web of Science ID 000221453000006

  • Alcohol involvement and developmental task completion during young adulthood. Journal of studies on alcohol Gotham, H. J., Sher, K. J., Wood, P. K. 2003; 64 (1): 32–42

    Abstract

    Relations among young adult alcohol use disorders (AUDs), preadulthood variables (gender, family history of alcoholism, childhood stressors, high-school class rank, religious involvement, neuroticism, extraversion, psychoticism) and young adult developmental tasks (baccalaureate degree completion, full-time employment, marriage) were evaluated.Participants were 424 first-time college students (228 women) who were 18-20 years old; approximately half had a history of paternal alcoholism. Participants were assessed on five occasions over 7 years (Years 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7).Structural equation modeling results suggest preadulthood variables were more salient predictors of developmental tasks than AUD diagnoses, with the majority of effects due to apparent selection processes. In addition, marriage protected against later AUD diagnosis at Year 7.Findings highlight the importance of prospective multivariate models that specify potential selection, causation, socialization and reciprocal effects in order to fully examine complex relations among variables, including alcohol involvement, during major life-transition periods.

    View details for PubMedID 12608481

  • Older adults, substance use, and HIV/AIDS: Preparing for a future crisis Journal of Mental Health and Aging Topolski, J. M., Gotham, H. J., Klinkenberg, W. D., O'Neill, D. L., Brooks, A. 2002; 8: 349-363
  • The problem of college drinking: insights from a developmental perspective. Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research Schulenberg, J., Maggs, J. L., Long, S. W., Sher, K. J., Gotham, H. J., Baer, J. S., Kivlahan, D. R., Marlatt, G. A., Zucker, R. A. 2001; 25 (3): 473–77

    Abstract

    This article represents the proceedings of a symposium at the 2000 RSA Meeting in Denver, Colorado. John Schulenberg and Jennifer L. Maggs were Organizers. Stephen W. Long was Chair and provided opening remarks. The presentations were: (1) I'm not a drunk, just a college student: Binge drinking during college as a developmental disturbance, by John Schulenberg; (2) Course of alcohol use disorders during college, by Kenneth J. Sher; (3) How do students experience alcohol and its effects? Positive versus negative expectancies and consequences, by Jennifer L. Maggs; and (4) Brief intervention in the context of developmental trends in college drinking, by G. Alan Marlatt. Critique and commentary were provided by Robert A. Zucker.

    View details for PubMedID 11290861

  • Transitioning into and out of large-effect drinking in young adulthood. Journal of abnormal psychology Jackson, K. M., Sher, K. J., Gotham, H. J., Wood, P. K. 2001; 110 (3): 378–91

    Abstract

    As individuals age beyond the college years into young adulthood, many exhibit a tendency to moderate or "mature out of" alcohol involvement. The current study classified effect-drinking statuses in young adults and examined transitions among statuses using latent transition analysis, a latent variable state-sequential model for longitudinal data. At 3 occasions over 7 years (Years 1, 4, and 7), 443 men (47%) and women (mean age of both at baseline = 18.5 years; 51% with family history of alcoholism) responded to 3 past-30-day items assessing drinking and subjective effects of drinking: whether the respondent drank alcohol, felt high, and felt drunk. Latent statuses included abstainers (14% at Year 1), limited-effect drinkers (8%), moderate-effect drinkers (23%), and large-effect drinkers (54%). Respondents with family history of alcoholism were less likely to transition out of large-effect drinking than those without family history. Men exhibited more severe initial effect-drinking statuses and lower transition probabilities into less severe effect-drinking statuses than women.

    View details for PubMedID 11502081

  • Pathological alcohol involvement: a developmental disorder of young adulthood. Development and psychopathology Sher, K. J., Gotham, H. J. 1999; 11 (4): 933–56

    Abstract

    In 1987, we began a longitudinal study of the offspring of alcoholic parents and have been following this group of young adults from their freshman year in college throughout their transition into later young adulthood. The goal of this review is to highlight some of the findings we consider most important and relevant to the development of pathological alcohol involvement in young adulthood. Courses of pathological alcohol involvement in young adulthood are outlined. Predictors of both the development and course of pathological alcohol use in young adulthood are also addressed, including family history of alcoholism, personality, alcohol use motivations, and role transitions. While certainly a problem in its own right, pathological alcohol involvement can also affect the attainment of important life tasks and success in various life roles. Consequently, we also examine the effects of pathological alcohol involvement on later role transitions and role attainment. Finally, prevention, policy, and treatment issues surrounding this stage of life are discussed.

    View details for PubMedID 10624733

  • Determinants of exercise among children. II. A longitudinal analysis PREVENTIVE MEDICINE DiLorenzo, T. M., Stucky-Ropp, R. C., Vander Wal, J. S., Gotham, H. J. 1998; 27 (3): 470–77

    Abstract

    Research has demonstrated that physical activity serves an important preventive function against the development of cardiovascular disease. The recognition that U.S. children are often sedentary, coupled with the observation that physical activity habits tend to persist into adulthood, has prompted the investigation of exercise determinants consistent with social learning theory. The purposes of the present study were to identify social learning variables relevant to children's exercise and to explore the longitudinal predictive value of the determinants.Data were collected from 111 families (N = 54 girls, N = 57 boys) who were interviewed in both Phase 1 (fifth and sixth grades) and Phase 2 (eight and ninth grades) of this study. Data from mothers (N = 111) were collected during both phases; data from 80 fathers were collected at Phase 2 only.The results of simultaneous stepwise regression analyses indicated that child's enjoyment of physical activity was the only consistent predictor of physical activity during Phase 1. At Phase 2, child's exercise knowledge, mother's physical activity, and child's and mother's friend modeling/support emerged as predictors for girls. For boys, child's self-efficacy for physical activity, exercise knowledge, parental modeling, and interest in sports media were important. Longitudinally, mother's self-efficacy, barriers to exercise, enjoyment of physical activity, and child's self-efficacy for physical activity were important for girls. Only child's exercise knowledge predicted boys' physical activity. The addition of information from fathers nearly doubled the explanatory power of the predictors for both genders.Socialization in the family unit exerts a tremendous influence on health-related behaviors such as exercise. The relative importance of determinants seems to differ for girls and boys and the pattern of these determinants appears to change over time.

    View details for PubMedID 9612838

  • Predicting stability and change in frequency of intoxication from the college years to beyond: Individual-difference and role transition variables JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY Gotham, H. J., Sher, K. J., Wood, P. K. 1997; 106 (4): 619–29

    Abstract

    The authors examined whether individual-difference variables (e.g., family history of alcoholism, sex, personality traits, positive alcohol expectancies) and role transition-related variables (full-time work status, marital status, parenthood) moderate the "maturing-out" process whereby young adults who drink heavily during college decrease their drinking in the following years. Analyses were based on 288 young adults, assessed as full-time students (mostly college seniors, Year 4 of a larger study) and 3 years later (Year 7) when all had earned bachelor's degrees, and the analyses showed that frequency of intoxication (per week) decreased significantly (p < .0001). Entering the workforce full time, being male, and being less open to experience were associated with decreased postcollege drinking. Furthermore, relatively extraverted individuals were more likely to continue a pattern of frequent intoxication from Year 4 to year 7. The findings stress the importance of studying how individual-difference variables predict behavior across role transitions.

    View details for PubMedID 9358692

  • Risperidone in the management of violent, treatment-resistant schizophrenics hospitalized in a maximum security forensic facility JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PSYCHIATRY AND THE LAW Beck, N. C., Greenfield, Gotham, H., Menditto, A. A., Stuve, P., Hemme, C. A. 1997; 25 (4): 461–68

    Abstract

    This study examines the effectiveness of risperidone compared with traditional neuroleptic medications in the areas of clinical functioning and aggressive behaviors in a sample of inpatients diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia. Similar to the methodology of Menditto et al. (Psychiatr Serv 47:46-51, 1996), two groups of 10 patients were selected from those being treated in a comprehensive psychosocial rehabilitation program. Group 1 subjects were placed on risperidone at various times during their treatment. Group 2 subjects, who were matched with Group 1 subjects on pre-study levels of clinical functioning as measured by the Time-Sample Behavioral Checklist (TSBC), remained on traditional neuroleptics throughout the study period. For each subject, scores on six TSBC subscales were examined at four time points; data were analyzed with repeated-measures multivariate analyses of variance and univariate analyses of variance. Frequency counts of aggressive behaviors (threats and assaults) were compiled into two six-month time periods and analyzed with nonparametric techniques. The risperidone group did not differ from the traditional neuroleptic group on measures of clinical functioning and aggressiveness measured over time. Both groups evidenced improvements in bizarre motor behaviors over the study period. The risperidone group evidenced some deterioration in measures of appropriate interpersonal interaction over time. No differences in aggressive behaviors were noted for either group. The study concludes that for forensic patients with chronic schizophrenia, risperidone failed to produce therapeutic effects in overall clinical functioning and aggressive behaviors that were significantly different from traditional neuroleptics. Descriptive comparisons are made between the receptor-binding profiles and clinical effectiveness of risperidone and clozapine in an attempt to explain these findings.

    View details for PubMedID 9460034

  • A prospective, high-risk study of the relationship between tobacco dependence and alcohol use disorders ALCOHOLISM-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH Sher, K. J., Gotham, H. J., Erickson, D. J., Wood, P. K. 1996; 20 (3): 485–92

    Abstract

    This study examined the extent to which tobacco dependence (TD) and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) reciprocally influenced each other in a mixed-gender sample of 452 individuals (n = 232 biological family history of paternal alcoholism, n = 220 no first- or second-degree family history of alcoholism) who were assessed once early in their freshman year of college, approximately 3 years later when many were college seniors, and approximately 3 years later when many had entered or were entering the work force. AUDs were more prevalent in men than women, in individuals with a family history of alcoholism, and decreased overall with time. TD was more prevalent in those with a family history of alcoholism, showed increasing rates of use over time, and was less prevalent but more stable than AUDs. Transitional probabilities indicated that although a previous AUD or TD diagnosis increased the likelihood of being diagnosed with the other disorder at a later time, comorbid AUDs and TD did not significantly affect the likelihood of recovery from either disorder. Finally, path analysis revealed significant reciprocal relationships between AUDs and TD diagnoses (each predicting the other over time), and significant prediction of AUDs and TD by family history of alcoholism at the first and third times of assessment. Findings supported two general models of AUD/TD comorbidity: a shared vulnerability model and a reciprocal influence model.

    View details for PubMedID 8727241

  • The course of psychological distress in college: A prospective high-risk study Journal of College Student Development Sher, K. J., Wood, P. K., Gotham, H. J. 1996; 37: 42-51
  • Do codependent traits involve more than basic dimensions of personality and psychopathology? JOURNAL OF STUDIES ON ALCOHOL Gotham, H. J., Sher, K. J. 1996; 57 (1): 34–39

    Abstract

    Despite widespread use of the term codependency, empirical evidence regarding its construct validity is generally lacking. This study analyzed the construct validity of codependency as measured by Potter-Efron and Potter-Efron's Codependency Assessment Questionnaire (CAQ). It attempted to determine the CAQ's factor structure and whether there are any unique relations between symptoms of codependency and parental alcoholism after controlling for basic dimensions of personality and psychopathology.Participants were 467 (246 male, 221 female) young adult children of alcoholics and controls who contributed complete questionnaire data at the fourth wave of a longitudinal study of factors related to alcohol use and abuse.The CAQ showed reliability and basically a one dimensional structure, and CAQ scores were significantly related to family history. Although much of this relation between family history and codependency was accounted for by neuroticism and symptoms of general psychopathology, a small, but significant, association between family history and codependency remained even after statistically controlling for personality and psychopathology.We conclude that, although there may be unique aspects of the purported codependency syndrome that are related to a family history of alcoholism, most of the relation between codependency and family history appears to be "explained" by general negative affectivity.

    View details for PubMedID 8747499

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