Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Evidence-based psychological treatments (EBTs) are often implemented as if following a recipe: therapists are expected to adhere to a manual much like a baker follows written instructions. However, successful baking requires more than strict adherence - it also depends on understanding which ingredients and steps are essential, which can be modified, and when adaptation is necessary to meet the needs of the person being served (e.g., gluten-free substitutions). Similarly, effective psychotherapy requires foundational knowledge about which elements of an EBT must remain intact to produce positive outcomes and which can be adapted to fit clients’ cultural beliefs, values, and practices. This talk will illustrate instances in which EBT implementation aligns well with client needs, as well as cases in which it does not. It will then describe how clinicians modify treatments in practice and present emerging tools designed to support culturally responsive adaptations that preserve the active ingredients of evidence-based care.
If you are able to join us in person, there will be a reception with light appetizers following the presentation.
Featuring:
Dr. Alayna Park
Dr. Alayna Park is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Oregon. Dr. Park’s research is driven by the goal of improving the accessibility and effectiveness of mental health services. She is particularly interested in re-designing mental health programs and developing decision support tools for mitigating racial and ethnic mental health disparities. Dr. Park has published dozens of scientific papers on the topics of mental health treatment design, clinical decision-making, and the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based psychotherapies in public sector settings. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Spotlight on a Mentor Award from the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), the Diversity Paper Award from the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy, and the Charles E. and Sue K. Young Graduate Student Award from UCLA.
Brought to you by:
Center for Cross-Cultural Research, Department of Psychology, The Foundation for WWU & Alumni
Evidence-based psychological treatments (EBTs) are often implemented as if following a recipe: therapists are expected to adhere to a manual much like a baker follows written instructions. However, successful baking requires more than strict adherence - it also depends on understanding which ingredients and steps are essential, which can be modified, and when adaptation is necessary to meet the needs of the person being served (e.g., gluten-free substitutions). Similarly, effective psychotherapy requires foundational knowledge about which elements of an EBT must remain intact to produce positive outcomes and which can be adapted to fit clients’ cultural beliefs, values, and practices. This talk will illustrate instances in which EBT implementation aligns well with client needs, as well as cases in which it does not. It will then describe how clinicians modify treatments in practice and present emerging tools designed to support culturally responsive adaptations that preserve the active ingredients of evidence-based care.
If you are able to join us in person, there will be a reception with light appetizers following the presentation.
Featuring:
Dr. Alayna Park
Dr. Alayna Park is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Oregon. Dr. Park’s research is driven by the goal of improving the accessibility and effectiveness of mental health services. She is particularly interested in re-designing mental health programs and developing decision support tools for mitigating racial and ethnic mental health disparities. Dr. Park has published dozens of scientific papers on the topics of mental health treatment design, clinical decision-making, and the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based psychotherapies in public sector settings. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Spotlight on a Mentor Award from the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), the Diversity Paper Award from the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy, and the Charles E. and Sue K. Young Graduate Student Award from UCLA.
Brought to you by:
Center for Cross-Cultural Research, Department of Psychology, The Foundation for WWU & Alumni
