Supported Employment for People with Severe Mental Illness

PEE DEE MENTAL HEALTH CENTER

IPS places people in real-life competitive jobs-not in sheltered or set-aside jobs. IPS

personnel work closely with the employment treatment team. IPS is a person-centered

approach that comprehensively addresses individual vocational needs to support recovery and improved quality of life. Competitive employment rather than

sheltered employment has previously been shown to enhance recovery outcomes such

as self-esteem.

IPS PROGRAM’S

Wal-Mart

ZENOBIAPERKINS

MHP

MHP

Effectiveness of Supported

Employment

The President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health (2003) emphasized that work serves as a vehicle for people with mental illness to move forward in the process of recovery. Work in regular community settings helps to reduce disability, boredom, fear, social isolation, discrimination, and stigma. Employment alongside others who do not have disabilities is the most concrete way that people with severe mental illness can become truly integrated into their communities.

Supported employment has been endorsed by the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health (2003), the Surgeon General (1999), the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (2001), the National Institute of Mental Health (1999), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (www. mentalhealthservices,.), and many other federal organizations, state agencies, advocacy groups, and private foundations.