Overview of the MISSION Model

Maintaining Independence and Sobriety through Systems Integration, Outreach, and Networking (MISSION) is an evidence-based intervention developed in 2001 to specifically meet mental health, substance misuse and other psychosocial needs of individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (CODs). We currently have versions available for homeless individuals, criminal justice-involved individuals, and military veterans.

Theoretically rooted in the Health Belief Model (HBM), MISSION combines several Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) into a comprehensive system of care in order to explore and address population specific factors (i.e. criminogenic factors in criminal justice populations), provide COD treatment, and link participants to community-based supports to sustain recovery.

There is a robust evidence base for the MISSION model . MISSION has been admitted into the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration-Registry for Evidence-Based Practices (NREPP), deployed within the Veterans Health Administration as part of the national plan to end veteran homelessness, utilized in a Massachusetts statewide plan to end homelessness, and written into public law for delivery alongside veteran treatment courts in Massachusetts.

MISSION Includes Five Key Evidence-Based Components

Critical Time Intervention (CTI)

CTI is a three-stage intervention (transition to community, tryout, and transfer of care), designed to systematically facilitate linkages to, and improve engagement with, mainstream and community-based treatment providers.

Dual recovery therapy (drt)

DRT is a structured 13 session treatment approach that blends and modifies traditional addiction treatment therapies (relapse prevention, motivational enhancement therapy, and 12-step facilitation therapy) with traditional mental health approaches (cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and social skills training).

Peer Support

Peer support helps participants achieve sobriety and mental health stability by providing personal and intensive support from someone who has experienced mental health and/or substance use disorders in the past. Peer support is used to facilitate engagement and bolster the effectiveness of the other MISSION components. It includes 11 structured sessions and workbook facilitation.

Vocational Support

This domain of the program is designed to assist participants with identifying, obtaining, and retaining employment using evidence-based practices for individuals with CODs, including Individual Placement and Support.

Trauma-Informed Care Considerations

MISSION case managers and peer support specialists are cross-trained to screen for trauma-related symptoms, deliver trauma-informed services, and refer clients to providers when more intense treatment is needed.

Past and Active MISSION Project Locations

EVIDENCE

Listed in the PEW Charitable Trust’s Results First Clearinghouse Database. PEW is a NREPP clearinghouse. Enter MISSION into the search box under “An interactive from The Pew Charitable Trusts” to see the full listing. Link to text on our EVIDENCE page.