Effectiveness of the Critical Time Intervention-Peer Support Model for People With Serious Mental Illness After Psychiatric Hospital Discharge in Portugal

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the Critical Time Intervention-Peer Support (CTI-PS) model, a recovery-oriented mental health program designed for people with serious mental illness such as psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. This intervention focuses on individuals discharged from inpatient psychiatric treatment facilities, aiming to support their recovery by addressing the consequences of illness and promoting empowerment during a vulnerable transition period. The study is a pilot randomized controlled trial conducted in Portugal to assess the feasibility, implementation, and potential effectiveness of CTI-PS compared to usual care. The CTI-PS intervention is delivered by trained Community Mental Health Workers and Peer Support Workers who use their lived experience to support participants. The program lasts nine months and involves phases called Initiation, Try-Out, and Transfer of Care. Participants in the intervention group receive CTI-PS services alongside usual care. The goal is to help participants build lasting connections with formal and informal support systems, overcome barriers, and strengthen autonomy without becoming their primary source of care. Participants will be involved in the study for up to 18 months, with assessments at the start, 9 months, and 18 months. Researchers will evaluate outcomes such as quality of life, needs assessment, psychopathology, disability level, recovery orientation, self-stigma, and substance use using various standardized tools. Regular supervision of the intervention providers will be conducted throughout the study. The trial aims to explore how well CTI-PS can be implemented in Portugal and contribute knowledge about peer support models globally.

Critical Time Intervention-Peer Support