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 PROGRAMS FlorenceHartsvilleMarionLake City

Vickie Redden Bill Diggs New Staff

LOWS Dollar General City of Lake City FOOD LIONCVSBI-LOApplebees HIGH POINT FURNITURE Pizza HutBest Western McDonald Good Will Wal-Mart

TCM Building Skills ASSMT As needed IPS Assmt RPS Group Skill building ZENOBIA PERKINS

TCM Building Skills ASSMT As needed IPS Assmt RPS Group Skill building CRISIS INDIVIDUAL THERAPY MHP

TCM Building Skills ASSMT As needed IPS Assmt RPS Group Skill building CRISIS INDIVIDUAL THERAPY MHP

E ffectiveness of S upported E mployment The Presidents 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 Presidents 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.