Changing Lives and Changing Outcomes-9 group program at Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital
Official title: Changing Lives and Changing Outcomes-9 at Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital: Implementing and Evaluating A Mental Illness and Criminal Risk Focused Intervention for People With Serious Mental Illness
Run by Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT07359157 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will try a nine-session cognitive-behavioral group to help adults with serious mental illness who have current or past legal involvement increase mental health awareness and lower chances of future legal problems.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Worcester, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 5, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07359157 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) currently hospitalized at WRCH with depression, bipolar disorder, or a psychotic disorder who have current or past legal involvement and can consent (or assent via a legally authorized representative) are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who cannot attend group sessions due to hospital restrictions (e.g., room-based seclusion), who do not speak English, or who are unable to participate in at least five sessions are unlikely to benefit from the intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-site intervention implements a brief, manualized nine-session cognitive-behavioral group (CLCO-9) delivered by trained WRCH clinical staff and trainees. The project includes a clinical implementation phase followed by an effectiveness phase, enrolling about 40 patients with an anticipated 20 treatment completers (attendance of five or more sessions plus post-treatment measures). Outcomes include feasibility, fidelity to the intervention, and patient satisfaction, and researchers will analyze group leader consultation transcripts to identify barriers and facilitators. Participation is limited to English-speaking adults currently hospitalized at Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital with current or prior legal involvement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help participants better manage symptoms and reduce the likelihood of future arrests or psychiatric rehospitalizations.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work targeting criminogenic risk factors with cognitive-behavioral approaches has shown promise in reducing reoffending and related hospital readmissions, so this applies a similar tested strategy in a state hospital setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Currently hospitalized at Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) * At least 18 years old * Self-reported current or past legal involvement * Speaks English * For patients without a legally authorized representative (LAR): demonstrate capacity to consent per the Capacity Assessment Record (CAR). * For patients with an LAR: assent to participate. Exclusion Criteria: * Hospital status that does not permit group attendance (e.g., room-based seclusion)
Where it's running
-
Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital
Worcester, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Faith Scanlon, PhD — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Faith Scanlon, PhD
- Email: fscanlon@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 6177242079
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.