The Academy for Community Behavioral Health: SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment): Reimagining the Evidence-Based Practice to be More Person-Centered

This three-part series will be a collaborative reimaging of the traditional SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment) framework through a critical, compassionate lens that centers client autonomy and recognizes the complex factors influencing substance use. Together we will challenge ourselves to move beyond conventional medical models, exploring how we might develop more nuanced approaches that acknowledge diverse experiences of drug use and pathways to change.

The series begins by examining screening practices with a critical eye toward their cultural limitations and potential biases, while introducing strength-based alternatives for assessing substance use patterns. In the second workshop, participants develop brief intervention skills infused with the Drug, Set, Setting framework to create more holistic, personalized conversations. The final session expands the concept of “treatment” beyond traditional services, helping practitioners support clients in identifying meaningful next steps aligned with their own goals and realities.

Throughout all sessions, participants will explore practical communication tools that foster autonomy, respect individual choice, and create space for client-directed change. This collaboratively reimagined SBIRT approach will aim to balance evidence-based practices with critical awareness of their limitations, offering a more inclusive, effective framework for supporting diverse populations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Participants will:

• Evaluate traditional screening tools through a critical lens, identifying their strengths, limitations, and potential biases
• Develop alternative conversation approaches that compassionately assess substance use patterns and risks
• Explore brief intervention techniques that incorporate the Drug, Set, Setting framework, allowing for more contextualized, autonomy-supportive conversations about substance use change
• Expand your understanding of “referral to treatment” to encompass diverse pathways to wellbeing
• Strengthen conversation skills to support people in identifying meaningful next steps that align with their unique needs, readiness, and goals
• Reflect on your current practices and biases related to substance use assessment and intervention
• Identify specific opportunities to implement more person-centered, culturally responsive approaches in your work

The Academy for Community Behavioral Health, part of the CUNY School of Professional Studies, launched in June 2021 with funding from the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health and Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity. The Academy puts behavioral health tools in the hands of community-based organizations and others who have meaningful opportunities to start conversations and provide help.

Applications are due by October 20, 2026.