Welcome to the UK Behavioral Health Outcome Studies Lab

The Behavioral Health Outcome Studies Lab conducts data collection, analysis and dissemination of research to inform public policy and practice, and support statewide and local initiatives to improve the day to day lives of those struggling to be free from addiction and violence


The Behavioral Health Outcomes Studies (BHOS) lab is part of the Department of Behavioral Science and the Center on Drug and Alcohol Research at the University of Kentucky. We have a long history of collaboration with a variety of agencies at the local, state, national, and federal level to deliver research services and products.

Ongoing Research

The lab currently conducts five state-funded projects focused on substance abuse treatment or program outcomes. These projects help to inform key stakeholders about program outcomes and provides critical information to better understand behavioral health in Kentucky.


  • Kentucky Treatment Outcome Study (KTOS) which follows adults who enter inpatient or outpatient services at community mental health centers (CMHC) in the state,
  • Adolescent Kentucky Treatment Outcome Study (AKTOS) which follows participants who are under the age of 18 when they enter treatment,
  • Kentucky Opioid Replacement Treatment Outcome Study (KORTOS) following participants who have received medication-assisted treatment (e.g., methadone, Suboxone) from a clinic in the state,
  • Recovery Center Outcome Study (RCOS) that follows participants who enter intensive, peer-driven residential programs, and
  • KY-Moms Maternal Assistance Toward Recovery study (KY-Moms MATR) for at-risk women who are part of a case management program while they are pregnant

The lab also conducts other studies on human trafficking, partner abuse, sexual assault, and stalking (CDAR Coercive Control).

Research Assistants

This lab supports at least 5 or 6 undergraduate or graduate students to help conduct the various research studies.

Students who work in the lab gain research, business, and people skills that help build a foundation for graduate school, other research labs or a variety of other professions. Students from this lab have gone on to graduate school, physical therapy, law school, and medical school. Students learn about survey research, interviewing, research methods, talking to all kinds of different people as well as about addiction and addiction treatment.

Research assistants are provided with in-depth training and supervision but also work closely with a team with other students and work independently.

If you are interested in working with this lab we are looking for people who are self-motivated, organized, detail oriented and conscientious, and need research experience for graduate school. It helps if you have the skills and ability to talk to a variety of people, can work in a team but also individually, and have a background in customer service or have worked in some capacity with people. The job pays $15 per hour and requires between 20 and 40 hours almost every Sunday through Thursday evening. The job is ongoing and includes work during school breaks and the summer. We usually hire people who can commit to at least one year.

If you are interested in being considered for a job please send a cover letter outlining your directly relevant experience, interest in the job, and future plans as well as your resume outlining your prior work history to tklogan@uky.edu. When we have a position open we will respond to your application. All work and volunteer experiences is relevant. No telephone or in person contacts.