Our Latest Program of Research

Check back regularly for updates! 

On Track for Wellness Study
​

This study is designing and testing a program that combines the use of wearable activity trackers with health education, clinical strategies to promote health activation, and ongoing support for healthy lifestyles for people with early onset psychosis. Study partners are the IDHS Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery, the University of Texas-Austin, and early psychosis programs across Illinois. 

Analysis of Mental Health Disorders Across the Lifespan

Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, this study is following a nationally representative group of children with and without disabling mental health disorders to examine their life trajectories over several decades. The study is a collaboration with the University of Texas-Austin.

Healthy ReStart Web Survey & Intervention
​

This study involved a national web survey to determine how adults with mental health conditions fared during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results were used to design a wellness coaching intervention, using online wellness tools that are being tested in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Study partners are Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey, BU Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion, and ​University of Maryland School of Medicine. 

Pivot Towards Wellness Study for Young Adults

Phase one of this study was a national web survey of young adults with mental health conditions to assess their health and disrupted milestones during the COVID-19 pandemic. Phase two involved longitudinal qualitative research interviews to explore how societal changes have affected milestones in ways that influence young people's health and well-being. This project is a collaboration with the Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research at the UMass Chan Medical School.

Health Status of the Certified Peer Specialist Workforce​

This research added a new wave of survey data collection to a longitudinal panel study of recently-trained Certified Peer Specialists in 5 states called the CPS Career Outcomes Study, led by Live & Learn Incorporated. Additional in-depth qualitative interviews with a subset of the cohort explore how CPSs view their health and health risks, and the impact of these on their labor force participation. 

 Blended Telehealth Patient Navigation 

This project designed and tested an innovative blended telehealth navigator intervention that combines the evidence-based practices of patient navigation and telemedicine. A randomized controlled trial study tested the intervention working with study partners from IIT's Chicago Health Disparities Center, and Thresholds.

Policy Evaluation of 988 Implementation
​

This study will examine the enactment of the 988 Implementation Act, one of several pieces of recent federal legislation aimed at improving community management of mental health crises. The researchers will explore processes and outcomes of implementing a federal policy to deliver crisis outreach services by mental health counselors and peer support specialists. The study will be a collaboration with the Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey and the University of Utah. 

Healthy in my Community Study
​

This study will design and test an innovative program to be delivered by case managers at Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) to achieve positive health and functioning outcomes among clients with serious mental health conditions. The study will be a collaboration with CCBHCs in the states of Nevada, West Virginia, and Indiana. 

Our Ongoing Research Studies

Testing an Intervention to Promote Financial Wellness Among Adults with Psychiatric Disabilities

This randomized controlled trial study tested the effectiveness of a financial education intervention called, Building Financial Wellness. 
Learn more about this intervention.
Access a publication with the results of this RCT study.
Explore findings from this RCT about economic strain. 

Enhancing Immune Health Literacy and Behaviors among People with Psychiatric Disabilities

This randomized controlled trial study is testing the effectiveness of an immune health literacy intervention called, Enhancing Your Immune Health. 
Learn more about this intervention.

Explore our research posters.

Visit our repository of research articles. 

Learn more about our completed research studies.