Research
Innovative, practical, and community-based research to understand and address complex social issues and promote equitable and sustainable change.
C4 Innovations leverages strong partnerships and rigorous methods to conduct cutting-edge research in substance use prevention, recovery, mental health, housing and homelessness, and racial equity. We seek to answer critical questions that close the research to practice gap, inform the development of responsive and innovative community interventions, and illuminate solutions to pressing issues that impact systematically marginalized populations.
Our Research Studies Are:
- Scientifically rigorous using progressive, community-based methodologies
- Mixed methods and adaptable, uplifting qualitative approaches to complement quantitative data
- Rooted in evidence-based and promising practices
- Responsive to organizational- and community-driven needs and questions
- Aligned with principles of Community-Based Participatory Research and inclusive of people with lived experience throughout design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination
- Imbued with a lens of racial and social justice in design and implementation
- Committed to dissemination of findings to all partners, including communities and consumers of services
Types of Research We Do:
- Pilot and feasibility studies to test beta versions of new, innovative interventions designed to address a complex social issue
- Randomized controlled trials using experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental approaches to test effectiveness of new, innovative interventions with human service providers and systematically marginalized communities
- Exploratory studies designed to identify and describe a social issue experienced by systematically marginalized individuals and families
Primary Research Topics:
Behavioral health for children, youth, and adults: Developing and testing the effectiveness of behavioral health interventions and training products with a focus on research to practice.
- Substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery
- Mental health, including shared decision making and person-centered planning
- Peer-delivered interventions, including near-age peer mentorship with adolescents
Racial equity across housing, health, and recovery: Supporting agencies and communities to make data-informed decisions for structural change towards racially equitable outcomes.
- Structural analyses of assessment tools and processes for addressing racial inequities
Person-centered, trauma-informed research to promote housing stability: Developing and testing effectiveness of interventions and assessment tools specifically designed for organizations and communities serving families and individuals who are systematically marginalized by housing instability and homelessness.
- Adaptations and testing of evidence-based practices for families experiencing homelessness
- Tools designed to support trauma-informed practices and policies within the organizational setting
Learn more about our research studies and how to partner with us.
Our Experts
Examples of Our Work
Addressing Adolescent Substance Use Prevention & Early Intervention
C4 is implementing and testing feasibility and effectiveness of Project Amp, a brief adolescent substance use intervention designed with and for young people and delivered by trained, near-age young adult peer professionals. We found preliminary evidence of its effectiveness and promise as a protective factor-enhancing, strengths-based, and flexible curriculum. We are continuing to study effectiveness along with best practices for implementation. Learn more about Project Amp.
Overcoming Stigma and Improving Outcomes for Substance Use Disorders
C4 staff are developing and pilot testing OASIS (Overcoming and Addressing Stigma in Substance Use Disorders), a web-based platform for primary care clinicians and individuals with opioid use disorder. The platform helps patients and clinicians target stigmas that limit engagement with care and support use of evidence-based treatment. This project is a partnership with Yale University and West Haven VA Medical Center. Learn more about our work on stigma and recovery.
Collaborative Tool for Person-Centered Care Planning
With Small Business Innovation Research funding and in partnership with Yale University’s Program for Recovery and Community Health, C4 developed and tested Recovery Roadmap, a highly interactive web-based tool. The tool provides guidance for providers and service recipients and promotes person-centered recovery planning. During Phase II, we refined the prototype and conducted a trial with 37 practitioners and 91 service recipients. Learn more about our work on substance use and mental health recovery supports.
Innovative Online Learning Platform for Implementing Coordinated Specialty Care
In response to a growing need for training on interventions that address first episode psychosis, C4 has partnered with experts in Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) to develop and test an online learning platform and its impact. "CSC OnDemand" includes self-paced online modules, interactive multimedia case studies, instructor-led online courses, peer interaction through an online discussion forum and multi-site case conferencing, and a central online hub to consolidate existing resources and training materials. In Phase I, we developed CSC OnDemand and examined its feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness. Phase II research is testing if the online training is as successful as in-person training in increasing provider knowledge, shared decision making, and satisfaction. We are also assessing if it is as successful in increasing participation in work or school, improving engagement in treatment, and decreasing relapse rates. Learn more about our work on substance use and mental health recovery supports.
Measuring Trauma-Informed Practices
C4 led the research to develop the TICOMETER, the first psychometrically validated instrument that measures the degree an organization is engaged in trauma-informed practices. The TICOMETER evaluates needs and progress in implementing trauma-informed care and ensuring its sustainability. In less than 15 minutes, the TICOMETER helps organization assess their level of trauma-informed care, staff training needs, and implementation priorities. C4 staff also help organizations in interpreting and responding to results. Learn more about our work on trauma-informed care.
Promoting Healthy Eating & Exercise for Children who are Homeless
C4 staff are implementing and evaluating OrganWise Families, an interactive program to promote healthy eating and exercise for families with children ages 3-5 years experiencing homelessness. We are evaluating impact on health outcomes and analyzing data to better understand how shelter environments and policies influence access to healthy food and exercise. This study is funded through the US Health Resources and Services Administration and is a partnership with the Bassuk Center and OrganWise Guys. Learn more about our work on housing solutions.
C4 strives to create a research climate that promotes objectivity in research by establishing standards such that the design, conduct, and reporting of Public Health Service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded research is free from bias resulting from financial conflict of interest (FCOI). Learn more.
