Changing Lives and Changing Outcomes-9 group program at Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital

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

NA · Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT07359157

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

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Worcester, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT07359157 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Worcester, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Serious Mental Illness, Psychotic Disorder, Depression, Bipolar, serious mental illness, criminogenic risk, criminal legal involvement, treatment

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.