PCOM and Prevention Point Collaborate on Opioid Recovery Research
June 3, 2025Michelle R. Lent, PhD
A newly published pilot study led by Michelle R. Lent, PhD, professor at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), has demonstrated that a manualized cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program tailored
for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) is both feasible and highly acceptable
when delivered in a community-based harm-reduction setting.
Published in the Journal of Integrated Primary Care (JIPC), the study evaluated a 12-session CBT intervention implemented in partnership with
Prevention Point Philadelphia, a public health nonprofit located in Kensington that provides low-barrier, harm-reduction
services to individuals who use drugs.
“This intervention was designed to meet people where they are—acknowledging the complexities
of addiction while offering practical tools for change.”
Lial Gilroy (DO '27)PCOM Student and Study Co-Author
“We wanted to determine whether a structured, evidence-based intervention like CBT
could be successfully integrated into a real-world, low-threshold care environment,”
said Dr. Lent. “The results suggest that not only is it feasible, but it can significantly
improve participants' mental health and perceptions of recovery.”
The study enrolled 20 adults receiving medication for opioid use disorder. Over a
12-week period, participants engaged in CBT sessions focused on cognitive restructuring,
coping skills and relapse prevention. 60 percent of participants completed the full
program, with most attending nearly all sessions. Post-treatment analyses revealed
significant reductions in depressive and anxious symptoms, as well as improvements
in recovery capital, or the internal and external resources individuals perceive as
supporting their recovery.
Liam Gilroy (DO '27)
While urinalysis results for illicit opioid use remained stable from baseline to post-treatment,
satisfaction with the program was high. Participants noted increased self-esteem,
motivation and a strong therapeutic alliance as key contributors to their progress.
“This intervention was designed to meet people where they are—acknowledging the complexities
of addiction while offering practical tools for change,” said Gilroy. “Being part
of this work was an incredible opportunity to see how thoughtful behavioral health
integration can impact lives.”
As the opioid epidemic continues to impact communities across the country, the study
reinforces the importance of delivering flexible, person-centered mental health care
in community settings—and of training future physicians to think holistically and
compassionately about substance use treatment.
Ally Wengel Public Relations Manager Office of Marketing and Communications Email:allywe@pcom.edu Office:215-871-6325
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Established in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained
thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral
scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just
symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education,
operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic
medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers
graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical
sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling,
physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance
of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its
community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations.
For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
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