Research from our Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers over the past 25 years has contributed to the evidence base and advanced knowledge in behavioral health care and medicine. Each study also includes materials that support translation of our findings into practice, policy, and people's daily lives. 

Wellness Recovery Action Plan

This randomized controlled trial study demonstrated that WRAP reduces psychiatric symptoms, enhances recovery and self-advocacy skills, and increases hopefulness and quality of life. 
​Learn more and access peer-reviewed research articles.
Access WRAP and WRAP facilitator training.

An Electronic Decision Support System for Smoking Cessation 

Results from this randomized controlled trial study suggest that a web-based intervention that applies a personalized health checklist has the potential to increase motivation to quit smoking at a lower cost than standard motivational procedures. 
​Learn more and access peer-reviewed research articles.
Access a smoking cessation medication decision tool.

Nutrition and Exercise for Wellness and Recovery
​(NEW-R) 

In a pilot study, NEW-R participants lost an average of 3 pounds at immediate post-intervention, and lost an average of 10 pounds at the 6-month follow-up. Participants also demonstrated significant increases in their knowledge about nutrition and physical activity.​ Our Center is currently conducting a NIDILRR-funded RCT study of the NEW-R program. 
Learn more and access a peer-reviewed research article.
Access the NEW-R manuals, a podcast, and a how-to webinar. 

Promoting Self-Determination through Self-Directed Care in Texas

This randomized controlled trial study demonstrated that participants who received mental health SDC were more likely to work, to be taking classes, and to have lower somatic symptom distress than controls. They also had greater coping mastery, higher self-esteem, and higher self-perceived recovery, as well as greater ability to ask for help, to use social support, and to pursue recovery goals. They also were more likely than controls to perceive their service delivery system as client-driven. 
Learn more and access a presentation with study results. 
Access our Self-Directed Care Manual, a podcast, and a how-to webinar.  

Advance Crisis Management Program for Inpatient Facilities

In an evaluation, the Advance Crisis Management program was associated with decreased utilization of mechanical restraint in a university medical center's psychiatric inpatient units, without increases in patient or staff injuries. 
Learn more and access a peer-reviewed research article.
Request the Advance Crisis Management Manual. 

Asset Accumulation through Individual Development Accounts

This evaluation demonstrated that savers with mental illnesses can develop assets and reach their financial goals when receiving integrated financial education and clinical support.  
Learn more and access a peer-reviewed research article. 
​Find financial education resources.

Building Recovery of Individual Dreams and Goals through Education and Support 

​This randomized controlled trial study demonstrated that BRIDGES increases empowerment, self-esteem, self-advocacy, and assertiveness. 
Learn more and access peer-reviewed research articles.
Learn more about BRIDGES. 

Health Screening of Medical Co-Morbidities among Adults in Mental Health Recovery

Our health screening study contributes to the knowledge base about the prevalence of medical co-morbidities among people who use public mental health services. As a result of attending our health fairs, participants also experienced significant increases in self-rated abilities for health practices, personal competence for health maintenance, and health locus of control.  
​Learn more and access peer-reviewed research articles.
Access our health fair manual, a podcast, and a how-to webinar. 

A Diabetes Registry in a Medical Health Home for People with Mental Illnesses 

This study found that a diabetes registry led to significant improvements over time in A1C, total cholesterol, triglycerides, triglyceride/HDL ratio, and blood pressure among patients of two Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serving adults with serious mental illnesses.
Learn more and access a presentation with study results.
Access a Diabetes Education Toolkit, a podcast, and a how-to webinar. 
Download a free disease registry you can start using today!

The Mental Health & Rehabilitation Needs of Recipients of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) in Illinois

This study found a high prevalence of current and lifetime mental health and substance abuse disorders among women receiving TANF. Most recipients who were found to have mental health disorders were not receiving needed mental health services. 
​Learn more and access a peer-reviewed research article.

Assessing Cultural Competency in Peer-Run Mental Health Programs

This project developed and evaluated the impact of a cultural competency assessment in 9 peer-run programs in the U.S. Results suggested that peer-run programs benefit from assessing their cultural competency, and implementing program-specific strategies to improve their ability to engage people from across diverse groups. 
Learn more and access a peer-reviewed research article. 
Access our Assessment, a podcast, and a how-to webinar.