{"id":2256,"date":"2014-07-10T18:50:00","date_gmt":"2014-07-10T22:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/psych\/cecmh\/community-services\/supported-employment\/"},"modified":"2022-06-16T12:28:38","modified_gmt":"2022-06-16T16:28:38","slug":"supported-employment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/psych\/cecmh\/services\/community-services\/supported-employment\/","title":{"rendered":"IPS Supported Employment"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Helping individuals find work.<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment Program is an evidence-based model that helps individuals with severe mental illness find competitive employment and provides ongoing individualized support.\u00a0IPS helps individuals living with behavioral health conditions work at\u00a0regular jobs\u00a0of their choosing and builds relationships with employers to break the stigma associated with mental illness.<\/p>\n

The impact of stigma can be profound. When people are at their most vulnerable state and in need of help, stigma can prevent people from getting the support they need. This paradox can not only deepen the symptoms; it also negatively impacts everyone around the individual, including society. It creates a cloud of shame and feelings of uncertainty that obscure what could be a clear path to recovery.<\/p>\n

Work is the best treatment we have for serious mental illness. It is an essential part of recovery. Two-thirds of people with serious mental illness want to work, but only 15% are employed. Working can both be a way out of poverty and prevent entry into the disability system. Competitive employment has a positive impact on self-esteem, life satisfaction, and reducing symptoms. It helps build social connections and alleviates financial burdens. Employment is a path to recovery and individuals in the IPS program attain employment faster, hold their jobs longer, and work more hours.<\/p>\n

Criteria for participation<\/strong><\/h4>\n