Evaluation Findings Released on Recovery Coaching Programs

11 AmeriCorps-supported organizations participated in a study to analyze the impact of programming on those with substance use disorders

WASHINGTON, DC- AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteering, released an Evaluation of AmeriCorps-Supported Recovery Coaching Programs, which included 11 AmeriCorps-supported organizations serving individuals in recovery from substance use disorder. This evaluation consisted of two cohorts, seven AmeriCorps State and Nationalgrantees and four AmeriCorps VISTAsponsors and included surveys, interviews and focus groups. Recovery coaching is the process in which a nonclinical professional provides guidance to individuals with substance use disorders by helping them access care and supporting them in the removal of barriers to recovery.

This study found that AmeriCorps-supported organizations leverage paid staff, and AmeriCorps members in the State and National and VISTA programs to provide direct services and to serve diverse and target populations. These recovery programs used a holistic and culturally appropriate service approach to recognize clients as individuals, which may increase the treatments' effectiveness.

"AmeriCorps proudly invests in innovative programs and approaches to engage communities and foster action and belonging," said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. "When we invest in these programs, we ensure they are effective and beneficial to the communities they serve. Through our recovery coaching evaluation, we are able to learn best practices and what we need to improve."

This study also highlighted that recovery coaches with lived experience with substance use disorder were generally believed to be important for building rapport and increasing client engagement. It also showed that hiring practices that disqualify candidates based on criminal history may impede otherwise qualified coaches from being hired.

The evaluation showed that spending more time with a recovery coach was more beneficial when compared to those who spent less than one hour per week with a recovery coach. This adds to the evidence suggesting that time spent with a recovery coach may be important for recovery outcomes.

This evaluation, which included both recovery coaches and peer-recovery coaches, was held during fiscal years 2020 through 2022 and documented the successes of recovery coaching programs. Read the full report on AmeriCorps recovery coach program evaluation.