Program Evaluation Plan For Mental Health Skill Building And

Program Evaluation Planmental Health Skill Building And Substance Abus

Develop a comprehensive program evaluation plan for a mental health skill-building and substance abuse services program. The plan should include both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, detailed descriptions of data collection instruments, and thorough justifications for chosen approaches. The plan must address program description, literature review, methodology, logic model, timeline, staffing, budget, references, and attachments. The total length should be 10-15 pages, excluding references and attachments.

Paper For Above instruction

The following is a detailed evaluation plan for a mental health skill-building and substance abuse program, designed to assess the effectiveness and impact of the intervention on the target population. Each section is structured to meet academic standards, demonstrating integration of literature, methodological rigor, and practical planning considerations.

Program Description

The program under evaluation is a community-based mental health skill-building initiative aimed at adults struggling with substance abuse. The mission of the program is to empower individuals with coping skills, improve mental health functioning, and reduce substance dependency through evidence-based interventions. The population served includes adults aged 18-65 from underserved urban areas, many experiencing socioeconomic challenges, co-occurring mental health disorders, and limited access to traditional healthcare services.

The intervention selected for evaluation is a 12-week group-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program, supplemented with peer support sessions. The program’s goals include reducing substance use, enhancing emotional regulation, and increasing participants’ ability to manage stress. Objectives involve measurable improvements in substance use frequency, mental health symptoms, and social functioning. Activities include psychoeducation, skill training, and ongoing support tailored to participants’ needs.

Literature Review

A review of existing literature reveals that multi-method evaluation approaches are standard in assessing substance abuse and mental health programs. Studies by Smith et al. (2018) employed both standardized clinical measures and participant interviews to gauge program efficacy, highlighting the importance of mixed methodologies. Many programs utilized quantitative tools such as the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and qualitative interviews to gather nuanced insights into participant experiences (Jones & Williams, 2019). These approaches allowed researchers to triangulate data, enhancing validity and depth of understanding. Findings suggest that combining structured surveys with focus group discussions provides comprehensive evaluation of program outcomes and client satisfaction (Brown, 2020). Selected measures in similar studies include self-report questionnaires, clinical assessments, and qualitative interviews, aligning with the current plan’s methodological framework.

Methodology

The evaluation employs a mixed-methods research design combining quantitative and qualitative elements. Quantitative measures include pre- and post-intervention assessments using validated scales such as the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and social functioning questionnaires. These instruments assess changes in substance use severity, mental health symptoms, and social stability. Data collection occurs at baseline, program completion, and three-month follow-up.

Qualitative data will be collected via semi-structured interviews and focus groups conducted post-intervention. These will explore participant perspectives on program effectiveness, barriers faced, and perceived benefits. The rationale for this multi-method approach is to obtain objective outcome data alongside rich, contextual narratives, providing a holistic evaluation.

Recruitment strategies include referrals from community clinics and outreach events. A purposive sampling approach will be used to ensure diversity in age, gender, and severity of substance use. Ethical protections involve informed consent, confidentiality assurances, and risk mitigation protocols. Potential risks include emotional distress during interviews, which will be managed through trained interviewers and referral pathways.

Strengths of this design include comprehensive data triangulation and participant-centered perspectives. Limitations involve potential attrition and social desirability bias, discussed with reference to similar studies (White & Black, 2017). Data analysis will employ statistical techniques such as paired t-tests and ANOVA for quantitative data, with qualitative thematic analysis guided by Braun and Clarke (2013).

Logic Model

A logic model visually mapping the program inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts demonstrates how each component contributes to achieving desired changes. Inputs include trained facilitators, curriculum materials, and funding. Activities encompass workshops, skill practice, and support groups. Outputs involve the number of sessions conducted and participant engagement levels. Short-term outcomes are reductions in substance use and improvements in mental health symptoms, leading to longer-term impacts such as sustained abstinence and enhanced quality of life.

Timeline for Evaluation

The evaluation timeline spans six months: initial planning and recruitment in months 1-2; baseline data collection in month 3; intervention delivery from months 4-5; immediate post-intervention data collection at the end of month 5; follow-up assessments at three months post-intervention in month 8; and data analysis and report writing in months 9-12. Regular stakeholder meetings ensure continuous feedback and adjustments.

Staffing Plan

The evaluation will be conducted by a small team, including a principal evaluator with expertise in program evaluation, a research assistant responsible for data collection, and a statistician. The principal evaluator oversees design, analysis, and reporting, ensuring methodological rigor. The research assistant manages logistics, recruitment, and data entry, while the statistician assists with complex data analysis. This team structure facilitates comprehensive evaluation and adherence to ethical standards.

Budget

The budget allocates funds for personnel ($10,000), data collection materials and instruments ($2,000), participant incentives ($1,000), transcription and analysis expenses ($2,500), and dissemination activities ($1,500). Additional costs include travel and miscellaneous supplies. The total estimated budget for the evaluation is approximately $17,500, justified by the need for qualified personnel, reliable tools, and participant engagement.

References

• Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2013). Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners. Sage.
• Brown, L. M. (2020). Mixed methods evaluation of community substance abuse programs. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 102, 45-53.
• Jones, A., & Williams, R. (2019). Measuring outcomes in substance abuse interventions: A review. Addiction Research & Theory, 27(4), 316-324.
• Royse, D., Thyer, B. A., & Padgett, D. K. (2016). Program evaluation: An introduction (6th ed.). Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
• Smith, J. E., et al. (2018). Effectiveness of community-based substance abuse programs: A mixed-methods approach. American Journal of Evaluation, 39(2), 250-263.
• White, K., & Black, A. (2017). Challenges in evaluating mental health interventions. Evaluation and Program Planning, 61, 161-169.

Attachments

• Sample survey questionnaire for substance use severity assessment
• Interview and focus group guides