Tobacco use remains disproportionately high among adults living with mental illnesses (MIs), contributing to excess morbidity and mortality, particularly in high-burden states such as Kentucky. Behavioral healthcare providers are well-positioned to address this disparity but often lack formal training in evidence-based tobacco treatment. Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) training provides healthcare providers with skills to deliver evidence-based tobacco treatment; however, traditional TTS training models often rely on synchronous, in-person or live virtual formats, which may limit accessibility for some healthcare workforces. Asynchronous, web-based delivery models may reduce these barriers. This study evaluates a targeted, asynchronous TTS training program designed for providers working in Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) across Kentucky between 2020 and 2024. Using a one-group post-test-only design to assess engagement and completion and a one-group pre-test–post-test design among completers, we examined program outcomes and changes in knowledge and attitudes. Eligible participants were nominated by the administrative team at each CMHC. Of 100 registered participants, 70.0% enrolled and 55.0% completed the program. Among completers (n = 55), knowledge scores increased significantly from pre- to post-test (t51 = 7.6, p < 0.001). Participants also reported significant improvements in perceived skills (t51 = 7.9, p < 0.001) and knowledge of resources to deliver tobacco treatment (t51 = 7.8, p < 0.001), while perceived time to deliver services did not change significantly. These findings suggest that asynchronous TTS training is a feasible approach to improving tobacco treatment knowledge and confidence among behavioral health providers, though additional strategies may be needed to enhance completion and assess practice-level impact.
Okoli et al. (2026) studied this question.