Improving treatment access for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
Rigorous Evaluation of Strategies to Prevent Overdose Through Linking People With Illicit Substance Use Disorder to Recovery Support Services
This study is testing whether a new treatment program or support from a Peer Specialist helps people with both mental health and substance use issues get better care and improve their lives.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 208 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Worcester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Worcester, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05713695 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study will randomly assign 208 individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders to receive either a comprehensive multi-component treatment approach called MISSION or linkage with a Peer Specialist. The goal is to evaluate which method is more effective in enhancing treatment engagement and improving outcomes related to substance use and mental health. The study will also include a process evaluation to inform future implementation and sustainability of these interventions. Conducted over three years, this research addresses a critical public health issue in Worcester, Massachusetts, where substance use disorders and mental health issues are prevalent.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder and are not currently engaged in other multi-component treatments.
Not a fit: Patients who are acutely psychotic, suicidal, or have severe alcohol use disorder requiring detoxification may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve treatment engagement and recovery outcomes for individuals with co-occurring disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with similar multi-component approaches, but this specific intervention is novel in its application to the Worcester area.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Are 18 or older; * Have a COD (1 or more substance use disorders (e.g., alcohol and illicit substances), and a mental health disorder (including depression, anxiety, trauma related disorders, bipolar, and/or schizophrenia); * Are in the Hub; and * Are not engaged in other ongoing multi-component treatment for COD with a behavioral health treatment provider or have not seen their provider for at least 3 months. Exclusion Criteria: * We will exclude individuals who are acutely psychotic, acutely suicidal with a plan, or homicidal * Or with concurrent severe alcohol use disorder or high dose benzodiazepine requiring detoxification.
Where this trial is running
Worcester, Massachusetts
- University of Massachusetts Medical School — 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.