Individuals with mental illness who have severe symptoms or a co-occurring substance use disorder can benefit just as well as their peers from supported employment programs like individual placement services (IPS), according to a
report in
Psychiatric Services.
Why It’s Relevant
Work is not merely an outcome of psychiatric recovery but a vital component of the recovery process itself for many individuals—employment contributes to psychological well-being, stability, and reduced substance use. Understanding which factors influence work participation and long-term employment can help work programs better support their clients.
By the Numbers
- Researchers analyzed employment trajectories among 1,656 participants in a randomized controlled trial of enhanced IPS services that measured employment, health, and quality-of-life outcomes over three years.
- Individuals who had a history of employment and/or higher educational attainment were much more likely to experience a positive work trajectory (going from low to high employment or staying consistently high).
- In contrast, individuals approved for disability benefits were more likely to have consistently low employment.
- Symptom severity or the presence of a substance use disorder was not a significant predictor for any work trajectory.
The Other Side
The findings may not generalize beyond the specific population studied. Moreover, the study didn’t explore contextual factors that may influence employment success, such as workplace environments or social support.
Takeaway Message
The researchers said that policy and programmatic efforts should focus on early, sustained educational and vocational support, particularly for youths with mental disorders. “Future research extending beyond three years of follow-up and including cost-effectiveness analyses will be important for assessing long-term impacts and sustainability of supported employment interventions,” the researchers wrote.
Related Information
Source
Jeffrey Taylor, et. al. Examining employment trajectories of individuals with mental disorders.
Psychiatric Services in Advance. Published online April 2, 2026. doi:
doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.20250312
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