Nine ways that clubhouses foster interpersonal connection for persons with severe mental illness: Lessons for other types of programs

Abstract

ABSTRACTWe highlighted ways in which clubhouses promote togetherness in order to highlight lessons in togetherness that can be learned by non-clubhouse programs. Using three hour-long focus groups (N = 20), we found that clubhouses promote closeness through work, repeated interaction between members, a non-judgmental environment, evening and weekend activities, social skill enhancement, power equalization between staff and members, sharing of similar experiences, flexibly structured activity, and staff outreach after absence. Other types of mental health programs (e.g., day treatments, certain residential facilities) can grow in these nine ways in order to foster closeness between people and prevent relapse or other adverse consequences.