At Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant), we recognize that employment is vital to mental well-being and long-term stability. However, securing and maintaining meaningful employment can be particularly challenging for individuals living with mental health conditions. We are excited to highlight SAMHSA’s newly released Individual Placement and Support (IPS) — A Supported Employment Model Toolkit, available online.
What is Individual Placement and Support (IPS)?
IPS is an evidence-based model designed to help individuals with serious mental health conditions achieve competitive, integrated employment. Unlike traditional vocational rehabilitation programs, IPS emphasizes rapid job search and placement, integrating employment services with mental health treatment to provide holistic support. The model is built on eight core principles:
- Competitive Employment: Focusing on jobs in the open labor market rather than sheltered or segregated employment
- Systematic Job Development: Establishing strong relationships with employers based on job seekers’ skills and interests
- Zero Exclusion: Eliminating preconditions for participation, ensuring anyone interested in work has access to support
- Integrated Services: Coordinating employment services with mental health treatment for comprehensive care
- Rapid Job Search: Prioritizing quick placement over extended pre-employment training
- Individual Preferences: Tailoring job searches to each individual’s preferences and strengths
- Time-Unlimited Support: Providing ongoing support for job retention and career growth
- Personalized Benefits Planning: Educating participants on how employment impacts financial and healthcare benefits
Why IPS Matters
Employment offers more than just financial stability—it fosters purpose, social inclusion, and improved mental health outcomes. Research has consistently shown that IPS programs lead to higher employment rates, better job retention, and increased quality of life for individuals with mental health conditions. IPS is especially effective for populations facing significant employment barriers, including those with co-occurring substance use disorders and young adults transitioning to the workforce.
Key Features of SAMHSA’s IPS Toolkit
SAMHSA’s new IPS toolkit is a comprehensive resource for policymakers, service providers, and advocates working to expand supported employment opportunities. The toolkit includes:
- Implementation Guides: Step-by-step resources for organizations looking to adopt IPS practices
- Policy Recommendations: Strategies for integrating IPS into state and local workforce development initiatives
- Training and Workforce Development Tools: Resources to equip service providers with IPS best practices
- Success Stories: Real-world examples of how IPS has transformed lives and communities
Vibrant’s Commitment to Expanding IPS
As part of our mission and vision, Vibrant Emotional Health supports expanding IPS programs nationwide. We believe in breaking down employment barriers for individuals with mental health conditions and ensuring they have access to meaningful job opportunities. Through collaboration with mental health partners, service providers, and communities, we aim to:
- Increase awareness and workforce support for IPS programs
- Promote integration of mental health and employment services
- Raise awareness about the benefits of supported employment models
Take Action
We encourage stakeholders to explore SAMHSA’s IPS toolkit and consider how IPS can be implemented in their communities. By working together, we can create inclusive workplaces and empower individuals to achieve their employment goals.
Let’s continue building a future where employment is accessible to all, regardless of mental health challenges.