Do Psychologists Adhere to the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Tobacco Cessation? A Survey of Practitioners.

Practicing psychologists are well positioned to provide at least minimal interventions for tobacco dependence among their clients. Because smoking covaries with psychopathology, a substantial proportion of psychologists' clients are likely to be smokers. Psychologists have expertise in motivating behavior change, and they have greater contact and stronger relationships with their patients than do most other health providers. Despite these advantages, the current study found that psychologists were less likely to intervene for tobacco use than for other client behaviors, such as alcohol or illicit drug abuse. Psychologists do not regularly ask their clients whether they smoke, advise them to quit, assess their willingness to quit, assist them with quitting, or arrange follow-up. Recommendations for additional training are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]