Matthew Sprong, Ph.D., CRC, CLCP, LCPC(IL)
Phone: 708-534-4919 ext. 4919
College: College of Health and Human Services
Department(s):
Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health
Biography
Scholarship
Sprong, M. E., Hollender, H., Burley, N., Formigoni, M., & Annerino, K. (anticipated 2026). The Substance-Related Disorder Assessment: A Road Map to Effective Treatment Planning & Community Reintegration (2nd ed.). Kendall Hunt Publishing. Sprong, M. E., Hollender, H., Formigoni, M., Love Jordan, J., & Parker-Barnes, L. (anticipated 2026). The Substance Related Disorder: Special Populations & Treatment Considerations. Kendall Hunt Publishing. Sprong, M. E., Hollender, H., Formigoni, M., Parker-Barnes, L., & Sneed, Z. (2025). The Substance-Related Disorder: Treatment & Rehabilitation. Kendall Hunt Publishing. Sprong, M. E., & Davis, S. (2018). The Substance-Related Disorder Assessment: A Road Map to Effective Treatment Planning. Kendall Hunt Publishing. Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications 2025 [65] Lee, Y-S., Gor, K., Sprong,M. E.*, Shrestha, J., Huang, X., & Hollender, H. (In Press). Development of a Machine Learning-Based Predictive Nomogram for Screening Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Pseudo-Longitudinal Study of 223,195 Children in the United States. Frontiers in Public Health, 13. https://doi.org//10.3389/fpubh.2025.1531764 [SCIMAGOJR = Q1; Impact Factor = 3.0] *Corresponding Author [64] Gor, K., Lee, Y-S., Sprong, M. E., Hollender, H., & Shrestha, J. (In Press). Effect modifications of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) on anxiety and depression in children and adolescents of the United States. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health, 21. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0117450179372640250324051404 [SCIMAGOJR = Q2; Impact Factor = 3.122] [63] Sprong, M. E., Hollender, H., Lee, Y-S., Forziat-Pytel, K., Dooley, T., & Buono. F. D. (2025). Effects of COVID-19 on enrollment and discharge for veterans (with substance use disorders) referred to vocational rehabilitation within the VA Healthcare System. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1177/00343552251320950 [SCIMAGOJR = Q2; Impact Factor = 1.9] 2024 [62] Lee, Y-S., Shrestha, J., Sprong, M. E., Huang, X., Tuladhar, S., & Chuang, M. Y. (2024). Machine learning analysis of factors influencing pediatric telehealth visits during COVID-19: A state-level comparison using 2021-22 National Survey of Children’s Health Data. Healthcare, 12(21), 2170. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12212170 [SCIMAGOJR = Q2; Impact Factor = 2.4] [61] Sprong, M. E., Hollender, H., Rumrill, S., Blankenberger, B., Lee, Y-S., Kriz, K., Weber, K., Gilbert, J., & Buono, F. D. (2024). The Road to Reintegration: Evaluating the Effectiveness of VA Healthcare in Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Retention for Veterans with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 15, 107-123. https://doi.org/10.2147/SAR.S462882 [SCIMAGOJR = Q2; Impact Factor = 5.1] [60] Lee, Y-S, Sprong, M. E., Smeltzer, M. P., Shrestha, J., & Hollender, H. (2024). Trajectory analysis for identifying classes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) of Children in the United States. Clinical Practice & Epidemiology in Mental Health, 20(e174550179298863). https://doi.org/10.21174/0117450179298863249516970510 [SCIMAGOJR = Q2; Impact Factor = 3.122] [59] Sprong, M. E., Tomlin, E., Blazer, S., Porcaro, C., Colby, S., Latham, L., Staley, M., Guzman, E., & Hollender, H. (2024). Utilization of the VA Healthcare system for veterans with and without substance use disorders: Resources for rehabilitation counselors. Journal of Rehabilitation, 89(4), 46-58. [SCIMAGOJR = Q3] [58] Sprong, M. E., Mamboleo, G., Fullmer, L., Green, K., & Hollender, H. (2024). Disability-related equity gaps in post-secondary education. The Rehabilitation Professional, 32(1), 43-56. [57] Sprong, M. E., Blankenberger, B., Pierce, S., & Hollender, H. (2024). The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Influence on Employment Outcomes of Veterans Enrolled in VA Healthcare Vocational Rehabilitation. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 60(3) 379-388. https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-230065 [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] 2023 [56] Buono, F. D., Polonsky, M., Sprong, M. E., Aviles, A., & Cutter, C. J. (2023). Feasibility of a remotely monitored blood alcohol concentration device to facilitate treatment motivations: A pilot study. Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dadr.2023.100202 Impact Factor: 3.4 [55] Vincenzes, K., Pechek, A., Pytel, K., & Sprong, M. E. (2023). Comparison of case study delivery on ethical self-efficacy: Evaluation of a distance education Clinical Mental Health Counseling course. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2023.2246873 [54] Peterson, S, Skerritt, C., Sprong, M. E., & Thomas, L. B. (2023). Individualized plan for employment development for individuals with psychiatric disabilities: Recommendations for state vocational rehabilitation administrators. The Rehabilitation Professional, 31(3), 35-52. [53] Parker-Barnes, L., Wise, S. M., Lio, S., Rowley, C., McDaniel, J., Starts, S., & Sprong, M. (2023). Supervision 2.0: Culturally competent and creative online supervision practices. Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.61888/2692-4129.1055 [52] Austin, B. S., Lee, C. L., McCarthy, A., & Sprong, M. E. (2023). Importance of clinical judgment skill competencies across practice settings: Certified Rehabilitation Counselors’ perceptions. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 54(2). https://doi.org/10.1891/JARC-2022-0006 [51] Sprong, M. E., Hollender, H., Lee, Y., Rawlins-Williams, L., Sneed, Z., Garakani, A., & Buono, F. D. (2023). Disparities in Program Enrollment and Employment Outcomes for Veterans with Psychiatric Disorders and Co-Occurring Alcohol and other Substance Use Disorders Referred to VHA Vocational Rehabilitation. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 76(4). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1200450Impact Factor: 4.7 [SCIMAGOJR = Q1] [50] Buono, F. D., Polonsky, M., Marks, A., Larkin, K., & Sprong, M. E. (2023). Work readiness and barriers to employment during COVID for Individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Work, 76, 1265-1273. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-220259Impact Factor: 2.3 [49] Sprong, M. E., Thomas, L., Fuscaldo, N., Purinton, J., & Oakes, T. (2023). Examination of Vocational Rehabilitation Models Used in Forensic Rehabilitation Settings. The Rehabilitation Professional, 31(1), 13-26. [48] Vincenzes, K., Pechek, A., & Sprong, M. E. (2023). Counselor trainees’ development of self-efficacy in an online skills course. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 17(1). https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/jcps/vol17/iss1/1 2022 [47] Sprong, M. E., Hollender, H., Pechek, A., Pytel, K., & Buono, F. D., & (2022). Effects of VHA Policy Directive 1163 on Acceptance and Employment Rates for Veterans with Substance Use Disorders Referred to VHA Vocational Rehabilitation. Substance Abuse: Research & Treatment, 16, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1177/11782218221132397Impact Factor: 2.52 [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] [46] Sprong, M. E., Hollender, H., Paul, E., Gilbert, J., Weber, K., Garakani, A., & Buono, F. D. (2023). Impact of substance use disorders on employment for veterans. Psychological Services, 20(Suppl 2), 222–231. https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000690 Impact Factor: 2.659 [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] [45] Sprong, M. E., Chamarro, A., Polonsky, M., Pechek, A. A., Pilcher, C., Griffiths, M. D., & Buono, F. D. (2022). The Spanish version of the Video Game Functional Assessment – Revised. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2021.0325Impact Factor 2020: 4.157 [SCIMAGOJR = Q1] [44] Sprong, M. E., Brinck, E., Iwanaga, K., Jones, J., & Schultz, J. (2022). Pedagogy in rehabilitation education: An exploration of educator competencies. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 53(1), 15-28. https://doi.org/10.1891/JARC-D-20-00003 2021 [43] Buono, F. D., Larkin, K., Rowe, D., Sprong, M. E., & Garakani, A. (2021). Intensive dialectical behavior treatment for individuals with borderline personality disorders with and without substance use disorders. Front. Psychol., 12(629842). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.629842 Impact Factor 2018: 2.067 [SCIMAGOJR = Q1] [42] Sprong, M. E., Buono, F. D., Kaiser, S., Garakani, A., Paul, E., & Griffiths, M. D. (2021). The mediation effects of behavioral motivations between gaming onset between and Internet Gaming Disorder. J Addict Behav Ther Rehabil, 10(4). Impact Factor 2019: 3.639 [41] Buono, F. D., Sprong, M. E., Paul, E., Martin, S., Larkin, K., & Garakani, A. (2021). The mediating effects of quality of life, depression, and generalized anxiety on perceived work barriers of people diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, 16, 234. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-021-01866-6 Impact Factor 2018: 3.687 [SCIMAGOJR = Q1] [40] Brinck, E. A., Friedman, K. B., & Sprong, M. E. (2021). Legislation impact on transition services for youth with disabilities: Interagency collaboration between schools and vocational rehabilitation. The Rehabilitation Professional, 29(1), 37-52. [39] Sprong, M. E., Buono, F., Brinck, E., Nerlich, A. P., & Hollender, H. (2021). Alcohol-related cause of spinal cord injury and the impact on service recommendations. Journal of Rehabilitation, 87(2), 36-42. [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] 2020 [38] Nerlich, A., Wrobbel, E. D., Bosley, A. A., & Sprong, M. E. (2020). Nonverbal behavior, disability presentation, and impression formation: Implications for the rehabilitation professional. The Rehabilitation Professional, 28(4), 177-192. [37] Rubin, J., Brinck, E., Goram, L., & Sprong, M. E. (2020). Vocational rehabilitation for people with psychiatric disabilities. The Rehabilitation Professional, 28(4), 193-214. [36] Shields, J., Pechek, A., Brinck, E., & Sprong, M. E. (2020). Strategies for improving employment outcomes of Veterans diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders. The Rehabilitation Professional, 28(4), 225-244. [35] Aliff, M., & Sprong, M. E. (2020). Qualifications for rehabilitation counselors: A social justice issue. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 51(4), 277-281. [34] Turner, R. V., & Sprong, M. E. (2020). Designer drugs: An emerging challenge in substance-induced disorders. Journal of Rehabilitation, 86(2), 4-12. [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] [33] Buono, F. D., Paul, E., Sprong, M. E., Smith, E., Garakani, A., & Griffiths, M. D. (2020). Gaming and gaming disorder: A mediation model gender, salience, and time spent gaming, under review. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 23(9), 647-651. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2019.0445 Impact Factor 2018: 2.650 [SCIMAGOJR = Q1] [32] Sprong, M. E., Currier-Kipping, K., Hollender, H., Cerrito, B., & Buono, F. D. (2020). The influence of gender and sexism on the vocational rehabilitation recommendations of certificate programs and consumer autonomy. Journal of Rehabilitation, 86(1), 4-11. [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] 2019 [31] Sprong, M. E., Iwanaga, K., Mikolajczyk, E., Cerrito, B., & Buono, F. D. (2019). The role of disability in the hiring process: Does knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act Matter? Journal of Rehabilitation, 85(4), 42-49. [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] [30] Buono, F. D., Grau, L. E., Sprong, M. E., Moore, B. A., Johnson, K., Barry, D., …, & Gutmann, D. (2019). Pain symptomology, functional daily impact, and pain management of people with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. J Pain Res., (12), 2555-2561. https://doi.org/10.2147/jpr.s209540 Impact Factor 2019: 2.236 [SCIMAGOJR = Q1] [29] Sprong, M. E., Dallas, B., K., Hennenfent, K., Cerrito, B., & Buono, F. (2019). Race and disability on perception of relative fairness of post-secondary educational accommodations. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 50(2), 118-128. https://doi.org/10.1891/0047-2220.50.2.118 [28] Sprong, M. E., Griffiths, M., Daniels, B., Paul, E., & Buono, F. D. (2019). Cross- validation of the Video Game Functional Assessment-Revised (VGFA-R) and Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGD-20). Front. Psychol., 10, 310, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00310 Impact Factor 2018: 2.323 [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] 2018 [27] Masood, A. F., Dell, C. A., Sprong, M. E., & Dell, T. F. (2018). Test review: Cognitive Distortion Scale (CDS). Vocational Evaluation Career Assessment Professional Journal, 13(2), 33-42. [26] Sprong, M. E., Soldner, J., & Dallas, B. (2018). Emergency preparedness knowledge and confidence in providing services for people with disabilities: An exploratory analysis among rehabilitation counseling students. Journal of Rehabilitation, 84(3), 57-65. [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] [25] Sprong, M. E., Dallas, B., Paul, P., & Xia, M. (2018). Rehabilitation technology services and employment outcomes among consumers using Division of Rehabilitation Services. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol, 3, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2018.1463400 Impact Factor 2018: 2.054 [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] 2017 [24] Buono, F. D., Griffiths, M. D., Sprong, M. E., Upton, T. D., Lloyd, D. P., Sullivan, R. M., & Moore, B. A. (2017). Measures of behavioral function predict duration of video game play: Utilization of the Video Game Functional Assessment – Revised (VGFA-R). Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 6(4), 572-578. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.6.2017.084 Impact Factor 2016: 4.134 [SCIMAGOJR = Q1] [23] Sprong, M. E., Dallas, B. K., Chowdhury, D., & Buono, F. D. (2017). Impact of sexism and gender on recommendations for rehabilitation services. Journal of Rehabilitation, 83(4), 13-24. [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] [22] Moreno-Tucker, V., McCarthy, A. K., & Sprong, M. E. (2017). Unrecognized potential: The value of the rehabilitation professional in the transition process. Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Association Journal, 41(2), 67-77. [21] Buono, F. D., Sprong, M. E., Lloyd, D. P., Cutter, C., Printz, D. M. B., Sullivan, R. M. & Moore, B. (2017). Delay discounting of video game payers: Comparison of time-duration among gamers. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 20(2), 104-108.https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2016.0451 Impact Factor 2016: 2.571 [SCIMAGOJR = Q1] [20] Dell, T., & Sprong, M. E. (2017). Test Review: Global Appraisal of Individual Needs – Short Screener (V.3.0). Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 60(20), 121-124. https://doi.org/10.1177/0034355216632485 Impact Factor 2016: .744 [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] 2016 [19] Ysasi, N. A., Marini, I., Sprong, M., & Silva, I. (2016). Differences among life care planners and physiatrists regarding the likelihood and frequency of secondary complications for persons with spinal cord injury. Journal of Life Care Planning, 14(2), 3-37. [18] Case, J. C., Blackwell, T. L., & Sprong, M. E. (2016). Counselor ethical considerations for end-of-life care. Journal of Rehabilitation, 82(1), 48-58. [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] [17] Dallas, B., Sprong, M. E., & Kluesner, B. (2016). Multi-university comparison of faculty attitudes and use of universal design instructional techniques. Rehabilitation Research, Policy, and Education, 30(2), 148-160. https://doi.org/10.1891/2168-6653.30.2.148 [16] Buono, F. D., Upton, T. D., Griffiths, M. D., Sprong, M. E., & Bordieri, J. (2016). Demonstrating the validity of the Video Game Functional Assessment-Revised (VGFA-R). Computers in Human Behavior, 54, 501-510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.08.037 Impact Factor 2016: 3.435 [SCIMAGOJR = Q1] 2015 [15] Dallas, B., & Sprong, M. E. (2015). Assessing faculty attitudes toward universal design instructional techniques. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 46(4), 18-28. [14] Crtalic, A., Gibbs, R., Sprong, M. E., & Dell, T. (2015). Boundaries with social media: Ethical considerations for rehabilitation counselors. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 46(3), 44-50. [13] Austin, B. S., Sabo, C. W., McCarthy, A. K., Sprong, M. E., & Noble, L. N. (2015). Utilization of interviewing as an assessment tool to enhance vocational rehabilitation service delivery: Fostering the therapeutic alliance and professionals’ judgment accuracy. [Special issue]. Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Association Journal and Vocational Evaluation and Career Assessment Journal, 37–52. *+ [12] Sprong, M. E., Dallas, B., Upton, T. D., & Bordieri, J. (2015). The influence of race, causal attribution, & in-group favoritism on recommendations for rehabilitation services. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 58(4), 227-239. https://doi.org/10.1177/0034355214562071 [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] [11] Buono, F. D., Whiting, S., & Sprong, M. E. (2015). Comparison of temporal discounting among obese college students and obese adults. Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 15(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1037/bar0000015 2014 [10] Sprong, M. E., Buono, F., Bordieri, J., Mui, N., & Upton, T. D. (2014). Establishing the behavioral function of video game addiction: Development of the video game functional assessment. J Addict Behav Ther Rehabil, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.4172/2324-9005.1000129 Impact Factor: 3.639 [9] Sprong, M. E., Dallas, B., Melvin, A., & Koch, D. S. (2014). Substance abuse and vocational rehabilitation: A survey of policies & procedures. Journal of Rehabilitation, 80(4), 4-9. [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] [8] Dallas, B., Upton, T. D., & Sprong, M. E. (2014). Post-secondary faculty attitudes toward inclusive teaching strategies. Journal of Rehabilitation, 80(2), 13-21. [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] 2013 [7] Hillesheim, C., Sprong, M. E., Dallas, B., Upton, T.D., & Musgrave, J.R. (2013). Falling through the cracks: A screening assessment for student veterans with educational barriers. Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Association Journal, 40(1), 23-31. [6] McCabe, M., Sprong, M. E., Dallas, B., Mui, N., & Upton, T. D. (2013). Program effectiveness of vocational evaluation as quantified by the Career Planning Scale. Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Association Journal, 40(1), 13-22. [5] Mui, N., Sprong, M. E., Chowdhury, D., Lee, S., & Flowers, C. (2013). An ethical guide for rehabilitation administrators: Revising the NARL Code of Ethics. Journal of Rehabilitation Administration, 37(1), 19-24. [4] Reinschmiedt, H. J., Sprong, M. E., Dallas, B., Buono, F. D., & Upton, T. D. (2013). Post-secondary students with disabilities receiving accommodations: A Survey of satisfaction & subjective well-being. Journal of Rehabilitation, 79(3), 3-10. [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] 2012 [3] Geiger, J., Sprong, M. E., Kozma, W., & Upton, T. (2012). Predicting driver’s licensure using the Ruff 2 & 7 Selective Attention Test. Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Association Journal, 39(1), 31-35. [2] Sprong, M. E., Upton, T. D., & Pappas, M. (2012). Utilization of community rehabilitation programs: Screening for alcohol & drugs. Journal of Rehabilitation, 78(2), 13-19. [SCIMAGOJR = Q2] 2011 [1] Sprong, M. E., Lewis, T., Soldner, J., & Koch, D.S. (2011). Emergency preparedness for persons with disabilities: Implications for rehabilitation professionals. Journal of Rehabilitation Administration, 35(1), 27-38. Chapters in Professional Books Published [9] Soldner, J., & Sprong, M. E. (2022). Professional Responsibility. In J. Stano (Eds.), Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling: A Case Study Approach (2nd ed.). Professional Services. [8] Cioe, N., Yalamanchili, P., & Sprong, M. E. (2022). Principles of Ethics. In J. Stano (Eds.), Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling: A Case Study Approach (2nd ed.). Aspen Professional Services. [7] Hollender, H., Brinck, E., & Sprong, M. E. (2022). The counseling relationship. In J. Stano (Eds.), Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling: A Case Study Approach (2nd ed.). Aspen Professional Services. [6] Upton, T. D., Sanchez, J., & Sprong, M. E. (2020). Forensic rehabilitation services in the United States. In M. M. Joseph & M. R (Eds.), Fundamentals of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. Cognella, Inc. [5] Ysasi, N., Tiro, L., Sprong, M. E., & Kim, B. J. (2017). Marketing Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Rural Communities. In D. A. Harley, N. A. Ysasi, M. L. Bishop, A. R. Fleming (Eds.), Disability and Vocational Rehabilitation in Rural Settings. Springer Publishing. [4] Sprong, M. E., Soldner, J., & Dent, M. (2015). Professional Responsibility. In J. Stano (Eds.), Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling: A Case Study Approach. Aspen Professional Services. [3] Sprong, M. E., McDermott, A., Matney, A., & Lucy, M. (2015). The counseling relationship. In J. Stano (Eds.), Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling: A Case Study Approach. Aspen Professional Services. [2] Sprong, M. E., Cioe, N., Yalamanchili, P., & McDermott, A., (2015). Principles of Ethics. In J. Stano (Eds.), Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling: A Case Study Approach. Aspen Professional Services. [1] Watt, C., Sprong, M. E., & Upton, T. D. (2011). Functional Capacity Evaluations: A Guide for Rehabilitation Professionals. In T. D. Upton (Eds.), Private Rehabilitation: Evolving Opportunities. Ed. T. D. Upton. Aspen Professional Services.