A clubhouse is:

• A model of psychosocial rehabilitation where individuals with mental illness can come to work together to form a community and learn and practice skills to help them improve their lives.
• A prevocational day program where clubhouse members and staff work together to carry out the functions of keeping the clubhouse running.
• A place where staff support members in meeting vocational and educational goals, through work in the clubhouse and in the community.
• Open to all adults with mental illness who want to work towards a more independent life.

Characteristics of a Clubhouse:

• Open a minimum of 5 days per week, with a goal of remaining open 365 days per year.
• Structured around the work-ordered day, where members engage in work tasks in an environment similar to that of regular employment.
• Focused on transitional employment with guaranteed opportunities for members to go to work on paying part time jobs in local businesses as part of the rehabilitative approach of the clubhouse.

A Clubhouse is NOT:

• A mental health treatment program, although clubhouse staff help members to access needed treatment.
• A sheltered workshop or job skills program. The clubhouse is a rehabilitation program where the clubhouse structure and relationships foster the members' confidence and ability to function; their interest in caring for themselves, in socializing with others and in participating in activities of the prevocational day program; and their motivation to prepare for and enter employment.