EmpowerWork Research Program

Directed by Dr. Brian Stevenson, the EmpowerWork Research Program is comprised of a team of clinical psychologists, psychology trainees, and health science specialists who are affiliated with UMass Chan Medical School and the VA Bedford Healthcare System. The EmpowerWork program aims to improve the employment outcomes of veterans living with addictions and co-occurring conditions through meaningful employment goals, self-efficacy, and empowerment. Since its establishment in 2018, the EmpowerWork program has provided direct vocational rehabilitation services to over 350 veterans with mental health/substance use conditions and has received over 5.3 million dollars in VA research funding to develop, test, and improve vocational services and economic security outcomes for veterans.