Perceptions and practices of mental health professionals regarding the employment of people with serious mental illness

BACKGROUND: The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of Supported Employment (SE) is an evidence-based practice that leads to an increase in successful employment outcomes for people with serious mental illness ( Bond, Drake, & Becker, 2008 ). The practical application and implementation of this practice, however, is limited in the Southeastern region of the United States. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the perceptions held by and practices used by mental health professionals regarding the employment of individuals with serious mental illness at two sites in Alabama. METHODS: The two sites yielded 79 participants, including clinicians and case managers, who responded to the Health Professional Perceptions of Employment Survey - Revised. Analysis of the quantitative data was completed using an independent samples t -test, Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The qualitative data was analyzed for common themes based on survey responses. RESULTS: A statistically significant relationship was identified that supports the connection between perceptions and practices of mental health professionals related to the employment of people with serious mental illness. CONCLUSIONS: Mental health professionals’ attitudes toward employment affects their consideration of employment for their clients, which will help or hinder the clients’ vocational progress and recovery.