Improving access and recovery for people with opioid use and mental health disorders
Official title: Supporting Treatment Access and Recovery in Co-Occurring Opioid Use and Mental Health Disorders
Run by University of Massachusetts, Worcester · NCT05138614 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new team approach combined with medication to see if it helps people with both opioid use and mental health issues recover better than just using medication alone.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Worcester Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Holyoke, Massachusetts and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 11, 2022 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05138614 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with opioid use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder, including those newly admitted or those who have recently relapsed.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not have a co-occurring mental health disorder or are not fluent in English or Spanish may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-component team approach called MISSION, combined with medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), for individuals with co-occurring opioid use and mental health disorders. A total of 1,000 participants will be randomized into five groups: MOUD alone or various combinations of MISSION components with MOUD. The MISSION approach includes Critical Time Intervention, Dual Recovery Therapy, and Peer Support, all aimed at enhancing treatment engagement and improving mental health outcomes. Participants will receive six months of treatment and be followed for one year to assess the impact on their recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve treatment engagement and recovery outcomes for patients with co-occurring disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with integrated treatment approaches for co-occurring disorders, suggesting potential for positive outcomes in this trial.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Are 18 years-old and older; * Are fluent in English or Spanish; * Have OUD who (a) are newly admitted into the program with OUD; or (b) who have been active in the program for the treatment of OUD with medications like buprenorphine or naltrexone, but experienced a recent relapse with any substance (e.g., alcohol, cocaine, opioids, or benzodiazepines). This second group is necessary to include because patients who may have been stable for a long period of time may have a relapse and need intensive treatment to help them regain their abstinence and facilitate the path towards recovery. Thus, by taking those newly enrolled and those who were stable on MOUD but had a recent relapse, the second group is clinically similar to the first group and the intervention will be meaningful.; * Able to provide consent; * Potentially have a concurrent substance use disorder in addition to opioids; and * Have a co-occurring mental health disorder (COD) including depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, bipolar, and/or schizophrenia, and those who are stable on buprenorphine or naltrexone but have recurrence or worsening at any time of symptoms of any co-occurring mental health disorder (COD) including depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, bipolar, and/or schizophrenia, even if the patient has not relapsed. Instability is defined in two ways in the study: (a) a substance use relapse; and (b) recurrence to symptom exacerbation in regard to a subject's mental health disorder(s). If subjects do not meet criteria for "a" (i.e., not having a substance use relapse), but they do meet criteria for "b" (i.e., they do in fact have worsening of mental health symptoms), they are then defined as unstable, and will meet study inclusion criteria. Exclusion Criteria: * Are not fluent in English or Spanish; * Are acutely psychotic, acutely suicidal with a plan, or homicidal; * Are incompetent and unable to provide informed consent; and * Have concurrent severe alcohol use disorder or high dose benzodiazepine needing detoxification. This exclusion factor is based on DSM-5 criteria, and those who are currently drinking or with a history of severe alcohol withdrawal (i.e., alcohol related seizures, and delirium tremens) will also be excluded. High dose benzodiazepine is defined as using Lorazepam equivalent of \> 10 mg/day; Diazepam \> 100 mg/day; Clonazepam 5 mg/ day; Alprazolam 5 mg/day.
Where it's running
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Behavioral Health Network
Holyoke, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting -
Behavioral Health Network
Orange, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting -
Behavioral Health Network
Springfield, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting -
UMass Chan Road to Care Clinic
Worcester, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting -
SaVida Health
Worcester, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David Smelson, PsyD — University of Massachusetts, Worcester
- Study coordinator: David Smelson, PsyD
- Email: David.Smelson@umassmed.edu
- Phone: 508-713-5420
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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CBD for Opioid Dependence and Pain on Buprenorphine
This study tests whether different doses of cannabidiol (CBD) can affect pain and opioid cravings in adults with opioid use disorder who are on buprenorphine, using a short, randomized, placebo-controlled setup.
-
Cebranopadol for opioid withdrawal in adults with chronic pain
This study tests whether cebranopadol can reduce withdrawal symptoms in adults with chronic pain who are physically dependent on prescribed opioids, compared with placebo.
-
emPath platform pilot to link and keep adults with opioid use disorder in care in Durham
This pilot tests a mobile app and telemedicine approach to help adults with opioid use disorder start and stay in MOUD through community outreach in Durham, NC.
-
CB1 Receptors in Opioid Use Disorder Measured with a PET Radioligand
This study tests CB1 receptor availability in people with opioid use disorder starting opioid agonist therapy and compares them with healthy adults.
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STORC: Training a support person plus patient navigation after birth
We’re testing whether training a designated support person and using patient navigation after delivery helps people with opioid use disorder build recovery resources and stay in treatment.
-
Personalized Addiction Treatment Enhancement for Opioid Use Disorder
A digital platform run by peer recovery supporters will be tested to help adults with opioid use disorder who are on buprenorphine or methadone stay in treatment and improve outcomes.
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.