Abstract: The history of mental health service delivery has been marked by an emphasis on clients’ vulnerabilities and deficits. As treatment programs have moved out of hospitals and into communities, however, the need to work with clients in developing real-world, practical skills, such as job training, has never been more important. Versions of this approach traditionally include skills training classes, job clubs, and sheltered employment, but have not been successful in helping people with severe mental illness gain competitive employment. This book describes the theory, empirical support, and practice of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach to supported employment. IPS is the most widely studied and validated approach to supported employment for people with severe mental illness. The overall goals of IPS are to assist clients in finding jobs that are consistent with their preferences and skills, and to support their efforts in working. The book is divided into three sections: 1) Conceptual and Empirical Support for Individual Placement and Support; 2) Practice Guidelines for Implementing Supported Employment; and 3) Special Issues. Many vignettes and sample documents that provide practical information are included.

Keywords: supported employment, evidence-based practice, vocational services, competitive employment, IPS