The Center for Therapeutic Community Research
As the national center for the study of therapeutic communities (TCs), substance abuse and related issues, the Center for Therapeutic Community Research (CTCR) conducts systematic research on refining techniques and improving the effectiveness of treatment. In addition, it focuses on modifying the unique therapeutic community approach to special populations and settings such as mentally ill chemical abusers (MICAs) in community residences, adolescent substance abusers in residential TCs, and criminal offenders in corrections facilities.
CTCR staff have been involved in instrument development for assessment of readiness for treatment, development of a system for classificatin of TC programs, and measurements for assessment of psychosocial characteristics of adolescents.
Recent research includes application of the TC model to work with homeless mentally-ill chemical abusers, program evaluation of a recovery project, client treatment matching, and documenting TC modifications for particular settings and populations. New CTCR research themes include the TC treatment process, duration of treatment, and retention in treatment.