Our Research & Technical Assistance Teams


Our Research and Technical Assistance teams are made up of interdisciplinary experts, dedicated to reviewing the latest science on addiction, surveying attitudes, examining the impact of substance use and developing evidence-based solutions to improve how we prevent and treat substance use disorders.

Family and Adolescent Clinical Technology & Science (FACTS)

Advancing the science and practice of quality treatment for adolescent substance use through training, implementation and treatment effectiveness research.

Current work focuses on implementing core elements of family therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy for adolescent substance use and conduct problems, integrated treatment for adolescents with co-occurring mental health disorders and developing clinical practices and standards for the field.

Science and Technology of Early Prevention (STEP)

Developing and testing technology-driven interventions targeting early risk factors for adolescent substance use, currently with a focus on addressing substance use among pregnant and postpartum women.

Prevention Research and Analysis

Working to inform families, health care practitioners, educators and policymakers about best practices for preventing adolescent substance use; exploring and implementing research-based approaches for improving how families, schools, and communities prevent substance use and addiction among youth.

Digital Intervention and Assessment Lab

We are building and testing the next wave of digital interventions for individuals, families and providers to overcome addiction. We focus on optimizing low barrier interventions such as brief assessment and feedback, automated text messaging, e-learning and chat support to maximize engagement and curation based on personal needs.

System Innovation & Quality

Evaluating the effectiveness of the current addiction treatment system, provider education and training, and working to implement new strategies for improving care.

Data Science

Analyzing large-data sets to better understand care being delivered and to evaluate clinical and financial benefits of various addiction treatment programs.

Health Law and Policy

Shaping public policy by conducting research in support of data-informed, evidence-based prevention and treatment approaches for substance-related problems.

Research Fellows/Consultants