Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, Vol 14(3), Sep 2025, 165-178; doi:10.1037/cfp0000261
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is one of the most researched evidence-based couple therapy approaches, yet no studies have investigated the implementation of EFT (i.e., factors that facilitate the uptake of EFT into regular use by therapists) in community-based mental health agencies. This preimplementation study explored facilitators and barriers to implementing EFT in a large mental health agency. Reflexive thematic analysis of semistructured interview responses from 22 therapists and intake coordinators identified key facilitators and barriers to implementing EFT in this context. Facilitators of implementation included therapists’ motivation to improve skills, valuing EFT and couple therapy, supportive learning environment, and support from leadership. Findings also highlighted internal structural and procedural barriers that could be modified to improve implementation outcomes; however, the most discussed barrier involved limitations to third-party payer reimbursement for couple therapy, which represents a more intractable problem. Policy implications, including the need for vigorous advocacy to increase reimbursement opportunities to reduce the prevalence and burden of mental and relationship health problems are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)