Improving supervision in addiction treatment programs
Supervision Strategy for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs: A Pilot Study
NA · University of Arkansas · NCT07262372
This project will try a reinforcement-based supervision approach with supervisors and counselors at residential addiction treatment programs to see if it reduces counselor burnout and improves care for clients.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 43 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Arkansas (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Little Rock, Arkansas) |
| Trial ID | NCT07262372 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot tests a structured, reinforcement-based supervision strategy (FOCUS) delivered to clinical supervisors in community residential substance use disorder programs. Supervisors receive guidance and tools designed to standardize and strengthen how they support frontline counselors, with attention to skills, feedback, and workplace climate. The project will measure effects on counselor self-efficacy, burnout, and performance, and examine downstream client outcomes and organizational indicators like turnover. The work is being developed and piloted with providers affiliated with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are clinical supervisors or frontline counselors who work directly with clients at residential substance use treatment programs affiliated with the study site.
Not a fit: Staff who do not work in residential programs, contracted (non-employed) supervisors, or clinicians not providing direct client care are unlikely to benefit from this pilot.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve supervisor support, reduce counselor burnout and turnover, and indirectly lead to better client outcomes in residential addiction treatment programs.
How similar studies have performed: Reinforcement-based supervision approaches have shown benefits for leadership, workforce climate, and client outcomes in child welfare settings, but are relatively untested in substance use treatment and this represents an early pilot.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Serves as a supervisor (i.e., oversee work of counselors) or counselor (i.e., directly work with clients) at a substance use treatment facility/program * Program/facility provides residential services Exclusion Criteria: * Supervisors contracted (not employed) by the facility
Where this trial is running
Little Rock, Arkansas
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences — Little Rock, Arkansas, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jure Baloh, PhD
- Email: jbaloh@uams.edu
- Phone: 501 526 6604
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Self Efficacy, Burnout, Professional, Substance Use Disorders, Supervision, supervision, substance use disorder treatment facility, organizational context, counselor burnout