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.
Among the study's authors was Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) student Liam Gilroy (DO '27), whose involvement highlighted the College's ongoing commitment to student-led research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
“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.
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
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.
For general media inquiries, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 215-871-6300 or communications@pcom.edu. Visit our media relations page to view contact information for public relations personnel.
© 2025 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
