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. [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. [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. [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. [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. [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). [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. [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. 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. [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). [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). [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). 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. Impact 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). 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. Impact 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. 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. Impact 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. 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). 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. 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. 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. 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. [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, 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. [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. 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. [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. 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). 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.