title: Evidence-based practice for marriage and family therapists.
abstract: The purpose of this article is to integrate science into clinical practice by introducing marriage and family therapists to the ideas of evidence-based practice (EBP). Evidence-based practice, which originated in the medical field, refers to the process of using research to make clinical decisions that best meet the needs of each client. Included in the description is a brief history of EBPs and ideas about learning EBPs. Suggestions are also made about the use of EBPs in MFT training programs, and resources are provided to enable clinicians to use EBPs in clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Marriage and Family Therapy Program, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, California 92110, USA. joellenpatterson@aol.com
authors.forename: Jo Ellen
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: Richard B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Stefanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Carnes
authors.forename: Shanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012107:Research Design; D014481:United States