NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Flexible ACT: A Pilot Feasibility Trial

Funded at New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-11578768 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A small pilot study is testing a flexible, community-based approach to ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) for people with mental health needs to see if it can be done feasibly in real-world settings.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2026
Project endJune 30, 2030
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$133,502
NIH project number5P50MH115843-06
Project IDNIH-11578768 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with mental health conditions who could benefit from community-based, intensive support services.

Less likely to help

Individuals with conditions or circumstances not suited to community-based ACT or those unwilling to participate in such services.

What this research studies

This project examines whether a flexible ACT program can be delivered in typical clinical environments and whether it can be carried out as planned. It will involve a pilot test of service components, coordination with treatment teams, and monitoring of participant outcomes and feasibility metrics. The goal is to determine if this approach can be implemented smoothly in practice and lay the groundwork for larger studies. Participants would be adults with mental health needs who could benefit from intensive community-based support.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could offer a more adaptable, accessible form of community-based treatment that helps people stay engaged in care and reduce crises.

How similar studies have gone: Pilot and feasibility work in community-based ACT-type models have shown promise in improving engagement and functioning in some settings, though results vary by implementation.

Where this research is happening

  • New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Tepper, Miriam Cohen — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
  • Study coordinator: Tepper, Miriam Cohen

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Understanding Invisible Suicide Risks in Youth: A National Study in Guyana

    A nationwide study in Guyana aims to learn about hidden factors that contribute to suicide risk among young people so we can prevent tragedy.

    NIH research New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · New York, United States · NIH-11617664

  • Understanding how habits influence anorexia nervosa and its remission

    A research study will explore how habitual eating patterns and brain systems keep anorexia nervosa going, and how these habits might change when people recover.

    NIH research New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · New York, United States · NIH-11592364

  • Repeated cannabis with different THC/CBD mixes and how it affects pain, cravings, and body chemicals

    This project studies how taking cannabis repeatedly, with different THC and CBD amounts, changes pain experiences, potential for abuse, and levels of body chemicals related to the endocannabinoid system in adults.

    NIH research New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · New York, United States · NIH-11540788

  • Mental Wellness Coordinated Care for Young People with Untreated Psychosis in Mozambique

    A program in Mozambique aims to bring early, coordinated care for adolescents and young adults with new psychosis, using evidence-based services to reduce symptoms and improve functioning.

    NIH research New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · New York, United States · NIH-11535217

  • Supported Employment to Help Youth with Early Psychosis in Uganda

    A patient-facing plan to help young people in Uganda with early psychosis find and keep jobs through an adapted IPS program.

    NIH research New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · New York, United States · NIH-11519495

  • Brain circuits behind overgeneralized fear

    This project looks at whether strengthening a small hippocampus area called the dentate gyrus can help adults with PTSD, anxiety, or depression stop reacting to safe situations as if they were dangerous.

    NIH research New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · New York, United States · NIH-11470640

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.