Synchronous Online Cognitive-Behavioral Group Intervention: 12-month Evaluation for Substance Use Mandated Clients

Abstract

Far less prevalent in intervention research for justice involved or other mandated clients is the advent of synchronous online cognitive-behavioral group intervention (SOC-BGI). Purpose: The purpose of the study was to provide an effectiveness-oriented evaluation regarding the feasibility of SOC-BGI facilitated by licensed clinical social workers. Method: The study used a pre-experimental design ( N = 41) with four observations including a 12-month follow-up. A linear mixed model was used to evaluate longitudinal comparisons. Results: On the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Contemplation subscale, from Baseline to posttest, the participants had a significant improvement ( p = .004) and a moderate Hedge’s g effect size of -.54. From baseline to 12-month follow-up, there was a significant reduction in self-reported Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5 substance use symptoms ( t = 4.68, df = 29, p < .001) and a large effect (Hedges’ g = .84). Discussion: Study applications, limitations, and strengths are discussed.