Current Research Studies
UMass Mind aims to develop new intervention strategies to promote whole person health. The following studies are open for patient enrollment. Most of the study visits are conducted at 26 Queen Street, Worcester. Patients will be compensated for their research participation. For patient referral or more information about our current studies, please contact us at
Phone: 508-856-Mind(6463)
Email: Mind@umassmed.edu
Metabolic Benefits of Adjunctive Lumateperone Treatment in Clozapine-treated Patients with Schizophrenia
The purpose of this investigator-initiated, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study is to determine whether adjunctive lumateperone (Caplyta®) might improve metabolic health in clozapine-treated individuals with schizophrenia. Lumateperone is an FDA-approved medication for adults with schizophrenia. Patients will receive lumateperone or placebo for 12 weeks and meet with the study team approximately 8 times. A variety of metabolic outcomes will be measured, including body fat distribution using a body composition analyzer and lipid particle size using NMR spectroscopy. For a brochure of the study, please click here.
IRB Docket # STUDY0001339
A Prospective Multi-center Study to Characterize the Natural History of Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) and Investigate the Real-world Effectiveness of Deutetrabenazine on the Multi-dimensional Impact of TD
The purpose of this study is to observe the real-world course of TD and evaluate the effectiveness of deutetrabenazine (AUSTEDO®), an FDA-approved medication, on TD. This is an observational study, meaning that if the medication is prescribed, it will be by the patient’s regular healthcare provider as part of their routine clinical treatment. Patients who experience at least mild TD symptoms, whether or not already on medication treatment for TD, are eligible for the study. Patients will meet with the study staff every 1-3 months over the course of 3 years. The study visits can be in-person or remote. For a brochure of the study, please click here.
IRB Docket # STUDY0001020
A Multi-center, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Brexpiprazole For the Treatment of Co-occuring Schizophrenia and Substance Use Disorder
The purpose of this investigator-initiated, randomized, controlled study is to determine whether brexpiprazole(Rexulti®), a FDA-approved antipsychotic medication for the treatment of schizophrenia, may help reduce substance use in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Patients who currently use subsances such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and/or alcohol, are eligible for the study. Patients will switch their antipsychotic medication to brexpiprazole or will continue with treatment as usual for 12 weeks and meet with the study team approximately 14 times. For a brochure of the study, please click here.
IRB Docket # H00014611
Evaluating a Healthy Living Nutrition Program for Patients with Serious mental Illness
UMass Mind is running an in-person nutrition program that combines education modules teaching healthy living and mindful eating with hands-on cooking sessions. The length of the program is flexible and lasts 4-8 weeks. The purpose is to evaluate an innovative way to improve healthy eating knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in those with serious mental illness (SMI) including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. The program is open to individuals with SMI or community facilities that serve this patient population, such as local group homes and day programs. To learn more about the program, please check out our video.
IRB Docket # STUDY00000638
Exploring Zentangle as a Virtual Mindfulness-based Art Intervention for People with Serious Mental Illness
Zentangle is an emerging art intervention that incorporates mindfulness into creative drawing. Zentangle offers an outlet to express inner feelings and experiences without requiring verbal articulation present in traditional “talk therapy”. UMass Mind is evaluating a virtual Zentangle program that is open to patients with serious mental illness (SMI) including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. The program includes 8 weekly 90-minute group session on Zoom, led by certified Zentangle instructors. To learn more about the findings from our first Zentangle pilot study, please click here.
IRB Docket # H00021046
Device-Assisted Exercise Intervention and Lifestyle Changes in Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
UMass Mind is running an in-person device-assoisted exercise program that combines education modules teaching healthy living and the benefits of exercise with in person walking sessions. The length of the program is 8 weeks. Each participant will be provided a fitbit for the duration of the study monitoring there energy expendature and step count. The purpose is to evaluate an innovative way to improve health, attitudes, and behaviors in those with serious mental illness (SMI) including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. The program is open to individuals with SMI or community facilities that serve this patient population, such as local group homes and day programs. To learn more about the program, please check out our flyer.
IRB Docket # STUDY00001384
“Recovery Through Performance” - A Drama Therapy Study
The UMass Mind program is launching a drama therapy study, titled “Recovery Through Performance”. It is a 12-week study investigating recovery through theatrical performance for people with mental illness. The drama therapy sessions will be led by Lesley University drama therapists, provided at no cost, and will take place on Zoom video chat. The sessions will lead up to a public in-person performance.
IRB Docket # H00023751
Social Skills Training Study
The UMass Mind Program is hosting a virtual social skills training groups for individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. It is a one-year study investigating the efficacy of CET (Cognitive Enhancement Therapy) when compared to HOPES SST (Helping Ourselves Pursue and Experience Success Social Skills Training) and whether some clients benefit more from one of the two treatments. The groups are provided at no cost and will be hosted virtually through Zoom video chat.
IRB Docket # 2020P000094
Recovery Through Music
The purpose of this study is to see whether participating in music therapy can help reduce symptoms of serious mental illness. This 8-week program consists of meeting weekly in a zoom-based group setting with a licensed music therapist and engaging in guided mindful music interpretation. Participants will evaluate the feelings associated with certain songs, how they react to music, and learn how to use music to support their mental health.
IRB Docket # STUDY00000378
Parental Emotional Coaching Survey
The purpose of this survey is to learn more about the relationship between types of emotional regulation strategies. parental emotional coaching, and depressive symptoms in the East Asian young adult population. If you are interested in learning more, or want to take the survey, please reach out.
IRB Docket # STUDY00000720