Episode Description
In Part 1 of this series, we explored why research often disappears from fee-for-service clinical settings despite clinicians valuing scientific inquiry. In this episode, Jason Luoma moves from theory to implementation by outlining the financial and organizational systems that make research sustainable over the long term.
Rather than relying on leftover time or grant funding, Jason explains how to build a clinic where research is intentionally supported through budgeting, compensation structures, and organizational policies. He introduces the concept of the “research line”—a standing budget allocation dedicated to research—and discusses practical strategies for protecting research time, designing compensation systems that align with organizational values, and growing revenue ethically to support scientific work.
Many of the concepts discussed in this episode build upon Jason Luoma and Jennifer LeJeune’s work on the integrated scientist-practitioner model and using social enterprise principles to sustainably fund research within fee-for-service clinical settings.
In this episode, you’ll learn…
- What a research line is and why every research-active clinic should have one
- How to create a sustainable funding model for research without relying solely on grants
- Why research time should be protected through salary structures rather than billable incentives
- How organizational guardrails prevent research priorities from eroding over time
- Ethical strategies for increasing financial sustainability while remaining mission-driven
- Practical budgeting, staffing, and policy templates you can begin implementing immediately
Tips from the episode
On funding research sustainably…
- Create a standing research budget rather than relying on leftover funds.
- Automate research funding through a consistent financial policy.
- Review your research budget annually and adjust as your organization grows.
On protecting research time…
- Separate clinical and research responsibilities with distinct calendars.
- Make research blocks salaried and non-swappable whenever possible.
- Regularly audit whether protected research time is actually being protected.
On growing responsibly…
- Invest in areas where your clinic has specialized expertise.
- Balance financial sustainability with accessibility and community impact.
- Track research outcomes alongside traditional business metrics.
Practical takeaways
- Establish a written research funding policy this month.
- Create recurring protected research blocks for key team members.
- Develop a simple implementation plan with clear staffing, budgeting, and review timelines.
Links from this Episode:
- LeJeune, J.T. & Luoma, J.B. (2017). Using social enterprise concepts to create a sustainable culture to fund research in a fee-for-service setting . In R.T. Codd (Ed.), Practice-Based Research: A Guide for Clinicians. Routledge Press.
- LeJeune, J.T., & Luoma, J.B. (2015). The Integrated Scientist-Practitioner: A New Model for Combining Research and Clinical Practice in Fee-For-Service Settings. Professional Psychology Research & Practice46(6), 421-428. Download here.
- Portland Psychotherapy’s Publications
- Portland Psychotherapy’s research lab page
Research Matters Podcast is hosted by Jason Luoma, who can be found on Twitter @jasonluoma or Facebook at: facebook.com/jasonluomaphd. You download the podcast through iTunes, Stitcher, or Spotify. Reach out with suggestions, questions, or comments to researchmatterspod@gmail.com
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