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Led by University of New Mexico · Updated on 2026-03-09
150
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing at Intake MII compared to the usual intake process on client engagement among adults seeking outpatient addiction treatment. This study uses an effectiveness-implementation hybrid type I design to assess not only client outcomes but also how feasible it is to implement MII into standard practice. Personnel feedback on implementation climate is collected before and after the clinical trial. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives a 90-minute Motivational Interviewing session that focuses on a collaborative conversation about the clients reasons for treatment, their values, and what successful treatment means to them. The other group undergoes a 90-minute standard assessment consistent with American Society of Addiction Medicine guidelines, which includes a semi-structured interview covering psychosocial and medical history. Personnel involved in the programs complete surveys and interviews regarding the implementation of MII. During the study, researchers will review electronic medical records to measure attendance at the first outpatient session, number of treatment sessions attended over three months, and completion of the treatment program, all tracked up to 36 weeks. Secondary assessments include measuring changes in client readiness to enter treatment and therapeutic alliance one hour after intake. The study involves signed informed consent, with monitoring of client engagement and personnel feedback to better understand treatment delivery and adherence.
CONDITIONS
Motivational Interviewing at Intake vs Intake as Usual on Client Engagement in Addiction Treatment
M
Margo Hurlocker, PhD
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University of New Mexico
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborating Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | MII (Investigational) | IAU (Comparator) | ASAM‑Guideline Intake (Current‑Care) |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A person‑centered, goal‑oriented intake conversation using motivational interviewing techniques such as open questions, reflective listening, and autonomy support. | A semi‑structured standard intake following ASAM guidelines covering psychosocial history across domains such as support system, living situation, education, occupation, family, and medical history. | Semi‑structured intake assessments aligned with ASAM intake guidance covering similar domains. |
| Role in trial | Investigational approach being tested for improving client engagement at intake. | Active comparator representing usual intake practice at the sites. | Represents widely used standard intake procedure per ASAM in real‑world clinical practice. |
| Primary use | To enhance initial engagement in outpatient addiction treatment by exploring client motivation and values. | To collect standard psychosocial background to inform treatment planning. | To conduct a comprehensive psychosocial assessment to support treatment decisions as commonly practiced. |
| How it is given | Delivered in a 90‑minute session using motivational interviewing conversational style. | Delivered in a 90‑minute semi‑structured assessment session. | Typically conducted as part of intake using a semi‑structured interview format. |
| Evidence status | Effectiveness is currently under investigation; trial is testing whether it can improve treatment engagement. | Represents existing standard intake; baseline practice with unknown relative effectiveness. | Motivational interviewing is broadly supported for enhancing engagement and retention in substance use treatment. |
| Important risks | No intervention‑specific risks reported. | No intervention‑specific risks reported. | No known risks unique to standard intake procedures. |
| Important limitations | Effectiveness for improving engagement is not yet established; implementation feasibility under study. | Standard intake may be time‑intensive and less patient‑centered. | May not support patient motivation as effectively as MI; evidence suggests MI better engages clients. |
| Patient impact | Not yet established; trial aims to assess whether this intake method increases attendance and treatment completion. | Baseline for comparison; typical rates of attendance and completion apply. | Motivational interviewing has been shown to increase retention and readiness compared to standard care. |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
You may qualify if you...
You will not qualify if you...
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants receive either a 90-minute Motivational Interviewing session or a 90-minute standard intake assessment.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 3 months
Participants attend outpatient treatment sessions over a three-month period following intake.
Multiple outpatient treatment sessions as scheduled
Duration - Up to 36 weeks
Participants are monitored up to 36 weeks to assess treatment attendance and completion.
Visits or assessments based on electronic medical record review
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Number of Arms
2
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Margo C Hurlocker, Theresa B Moyers, Melissa Hatch...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37865777/University of New Mexico
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborating Sponsor
