Empirically Supported Treatments: Dissemination Practices in Impoverished Regions

Abstract

A growing understanding of the implications of childhood psychopathology has driven the dissemination of empirically supported treatments (ESTs). This has not been the case in countries with high rates of poverty and violence—where the need for ESTs is fundamental. In this article, we examined the current status of child psychopathology and mental health services for children in El Salvador to explore key factors that can improve dissemination of ESTs in middle- and low-income countries. In El Salvador, children are constantly exposed to risk factors related to childhood disorders (e.g., violence), and there is an increase in the demand for mental health services for this population. However, a lack of a guiding policy and formal training has led to few psychologists using ESTs. A scientist–practitioner model to guide formal education and training of mental health providers would be the first step to improving the dissemination of ESTs in El Salvador.