The purpose of the current study was to examine factors that influence the implementation of evidence-based treatments (EBT) to address the behavioral needs of children with developmental disabilities or mental illnesses. The researching question was: What factors do trained behavioral treatment practitioners perceive as affecting their implementation of effective behavioral treatments in the settings in which they work? Ten behavioral practitioners participated in semi-structured interviews in which they were asked their perspectives on what they identified as factors that either helped or hindered their implementation of EBTs. Participant interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using methods informed by modified grounded theory.

Two major themes emerged from the participants' responses: (a) ineffective systems; (b) buy-in. The findings of this study were consistent with previous research examining the implementation of EBTs across a variety of professional disciplines. These findings extend the current literature by presenting information gleaned from trained behavioral treatment practitioners, whose perspectives suggest specific actions that may be taken to improve the process of utilizing EBTs to support those in need. Major themes as well as contextual factors associated with the participants' implementation of EBTs are described. Implications for training of behavioral practitioners, behavioral practice issues, as well as policy and advocacy considerations are discussed.