The rehabilitation alliance in practice: The clubhouse connection

One approach to community-based programming for men and women (members) who have experienced serious and persistent mental illness has been the focus of a clubhouse and hospital-based outpatient team. This rehabilitation alli ance consists of a member; psychiatrist, and at least one other-either anot her clubhouse staff person or a member. In this alliance each individual is equal in status with the others. The goal of the alliance is the provision of vocational, social, educational, and residential opportunities along wi th time and support needed to fulfill these opportunities as well as the pu rsuit of mental health goals. The authors (psychiatrist, member, and Founta in House staff person) describe this alliance and the benefits resulting fo r each participant.