NEAT-O was created by a dedicated team of researchers and clinicians with extensive experience in treating opioid use disorder and co-occurring mental health challenges. Our team's expertise and commitment to innovation drive our mission to develop science-backed programs that disrupt the cycle of negative emotions and cravings.

This program draws from cognitive-behavioral techniques developed by Dr. Matt Kushner, a professor at the University of Minnesota, whose groundbreaking treatments break the cycle of negative emotions and substance use. 

The clinical content and protocols in this app were designed and reviewed by a team led by Dr. Justin Anker, PhD (Principal Investigator) at The University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, including Linda Rinehart, PhD (Co-Principal Investigator), Scott Burwell, PhD (Consultant) and Gabrielle Mark, MPH (Clinical Research Coordinator). The team’s expertise spans the fields of psychiatry, cognitive behavioral therapy, public health and addiction medicine. The research is supported by grant 1UG3DA059414 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The development of this app was made possible by Dotsquares and by The University of Minnesota.

For more information, please contact Elle Mark ([email protected])  with questions. 

Justin J. Anker, PhD

Co-Principal Investigator

Linda Rinehart, PhD

Co-Principal Investigator 

Elle Mark, MPH 

Clinical Research Coordinator