• About Us
• Advanced Philosophy of Care
• Mission, Values and Service
• Our Commitment to Safety
• Our History
• Senior Leadership Team
• Devereux Board of Trustees
• Annual Reports
• Devereux in the News
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• Recognizing Our Employees
• Celebrating Our Devereux Families
• Sharing Messages of Hope

Devereux Pennsylvania CBHS doctoral intern Jessica Huntt named 2022 Savin Scholar Award winner

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Pennsylvania Children’s Behavioral Health Services (CBHS) doctoral intern Jessica Huntt was recently selected as Devereux’s 2022 Savin Scholar Award winner for her research study examining the effectiveness of using an app to increase family engagement for youth enrolled in residential treatment.

Each year, Devereux’s Institute of Clinical and Professional Training and Research (ICPTR) presents the Savin Scholar Award to a health service psychology intern who proposes a research study/program evaluation that is regarded as “exemplary.” Proposals must meet four criteria related to: 1) innovation, 2) quality, 3) feasibility and 4) consistency with Devereux’s Advanced Philosophy of Care.

As the 2022 Savin Scholar, Huntt will receive up to $1,500 to conduct her study and a $500 cash award. She will receive an additional travel stipend if her study is accepted for presentation at a conference within the next year.

“We want to congratulate Jessica on receiving this year’s Savin Scholar Award,” said Devereux Health Service Psychology Director of Internship Training Laura Rutherford, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA, who oversees the intern research projects. “While there were many outstanding proposals, Jessica’s was extremely well-conceived, and has the potential to improve outcomes for the individuals and families we serve. We wish her well as she implements her study, and cannot wait to see her findings.”

Huntt also noted, “I was excited and honored to receive this award. I put a lot of work into my proposal, and am passionate about engaging families in treatment. This type of research means so much to me, and the fact that my efforts were recognized in this way, makes me extremely happy. I will be conducting my research at the residential treatment facility at Devereux Pennsylvania CBHS’ Brandywine campus.”

About the study

Huntt’s research study, titled “Efficacy of a Technology-Delivered Intervention to Increase Family Engagement for Youth in Residential Treatment,” will analyze the ability of an app to increase family engagement, including attendance in family therapy sessions, as well as a child’s perception of family involvement in treatment.

“Studies show that family engagement in children’s mental health treatment is critical for achieving positive outcomes,” Huntt explained. “The app I developed includes components of motivational interviewing, a counseling approach designed to motivate individuals to make a positive behavior change, and various engagement strategies. These techniques would typically be delivered by clinicians in virtual sessions or over the phone. Using technology to deliver these components not only eases the burden on clinicians, but also improves access to families.

Next steps …

Huntt expects to complete her research by April, and in June, she will present her findings at Devereux’s annual intern research presentation, which is open to all staff.

“My broader program of research involves increasing engagement and treatment-seeking. When I began my internship, I saw a need for this type of intervention with our families,” Huntt shared. “I hope my research study leads to improved outcomes for youth, including stronger family relationships, decreased symptoms and shorter stays in residential treatment.”

Learn more about Devereux’s doctoral internships in health service psychology.

Latest News

		More than makeovers: Devereux MA/RI’s cosmetology program helps students gain skills, confidence Students enrolled in Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s cosmetology program are gaining hands-on salon experience, and expressing themselves creatively in the process.
		Family credits Devereux PA Children’s Services with helping son thrive in community Since he began receiving services through Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services in 2018, Casey continues to learn, grow and excel. In 2023, with support from Devereux, Casey secured his first competitive employment position. This year, Casey achieved another significant milestone when he graduated from the Devereux School for Integrated Learning.
		Season 3, Episodes 1 and 2: ‘Not Your Average School Psychologist’ podcast Listen to the first two episodes of Season 3 of the Devereux Center for Effective Schools’ podcast featuring Mark R. Shinn, Ph.D., of Data-Based Consulting, Inc., as he shares how to make assessments meaningful and reduce data fatigue. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music/Audible. In addition, the first two episodes of Season 3 can be found on Spotify here and here.
		Devereux honors direct care supervisors for fostering a positive, supportive work environment Devereux recently presented its 2024 Supervisory Excellence Award to 14 direct care supervisors across the organization for creating a work environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to achieve their full potential.

More Stories