Why is this research being done?

We want to learn how people with mental health conditions are doing as they deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study has 2 phases. 

• The first was a national online survey of adults with mental health conditions about their personal experiences, emotional wellness, physical health, and what they were doing to stay well during the pandemic.
• The second is a pilot randomized controlled trial study of a life coaching intervention that helps people return to active lives after major disruptions like the pandemic. 

What questions do we hope to answer?

For the national web survey

• ​How are people with mental health conditions dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic? 
• How has the pandemic interfered with the things they want to be doing?​ 
• What are their strengths and what things have they learned to help them restart their lives? 
• What needs and barriers are they facing in trying to get help or treatment?

For the RCT study

• ​Compared to usual services, do people who receive the life coaching intervention report better health, well-being, and access to needed services?  
• Compared to usual services, do people who receive the intervention report more internally motivated health and wellness behaviors, and enhanced self-advocacy skills?

​Who is running the study?

The study is a partnership between our Center, the Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey, the BU Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion, and the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Who is participating?

For the RCT study, 60 adults from 2 community mental health agencies are being randomly assigned to receive either the intervention (in addition to their standard care) or their usual services. 833 adults completed our national web survey.

How will this study be helpful? 

We’ll learn how a large group of people with mental health conditions across the country feels about their health, wellness, challenges, and successes during the pandemic. We'll also learn whether and how a life coaching intervention can help people to restart their lives after hard times like a pandemic. We’ll use these results to recommend services and policies that improve the lives of people in mental health recovery.

What has the study found so far?

Coming soon! A first look at preliminary findings from our national web survey. 

What if I need help during COVID?

We understand that this is a difficult time for many people. If you would like someone to talk with, all U.S. states offer Warm Lines operated by trained staff. Find a warm line.
 
If you are in a crisis, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in your state. Find the number for my state.

​Our Center’s COVID-19 Wellness Toolkit