Helping people with psychiatric disabilities improve their health through peer support

Peer Navigators for the Health and Wellness of People With Psychiatric Disabilities

Not applicable Interventional Illinois Institute of Technology · NCT05018351

This study is testing whether having peer support from people who have experienced recovery can help adults with psychiatric disabilities improve their overall health and wellness.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment354 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIllinois Institute of Technology Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05018351 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This program aims to address the significant health disparities faced by adults with psychiatric disabilities, who often die 20 to 30 years younger than their peers. By employing peer navigators—individuals with lived experience of recovery—the initiative facilitates access to fragmented health services, helping participants manage their physical health and wellness goals. The navigators provide in-person support, accompanying participants to various health-related appointments and fostering personal empowerment. The approach is designed to enhance both subjective recovery experiences and objective health outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 or older with serious mental illness who are motivated to improve their physical health and wellness.

Not a fit: Patients currently receiving services from a peer support specialist or Assertive Community Treatment may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the health and quality of life for individuals with psychiatric disabilities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that community health work and personal navigation can effectively improve service engagement in fragmented health systems.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 or older
* Serious mental illness (as indicated by disability)
* A desire to improve their physical health/wellness and prevent disease through peer health navigation
* Willing to attend
* Active Thresholds member residing in the catchment area (Chicago South Side)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently receiving services from a peer support specialist to work on health-related goals
* Currently receiving Assertive Community Treatment services
* Not an active Thresholds member
* Does not reside in the catchment area (Chicago South Side)

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations

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.
Conditions Mental DisorderPhysical IllnessPsychiatric DisabilityPeer NavigatorSerious Mental IllnessPhysical Health
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.