The Clubhouse Model in Treating Serious Mental Illness in Safety Net Settings

Author : Mary Ann Jones

Abstract : Originating from Fountain House in New York City, the Clubhouse Model evolved as a pioneering peer support initiative for people with serious mental illness (SMI) in the 1940s. It was conceived by a community of mental health patients who recognized the profound benefits of mutual support beyond the confines of psychiatric facilities. This approach is rooted in the belief in the transformative power of peer support and psychosocial rehabilitation. Now recognized as an evidence-based approach, the Clubhouse Model provides a beacon of hope, fostering social ties and skill enhancement for individuals with SMI. The Westside Clubhouse is the first clubhouse within a safety net organization in the United States. It exemplifies the integration of psychosocial rehabilitation within a safety net framework, reinforcing the notion that individuals with SMI share the universal human needs for connection and support. By offering a secure environment for peer engagement and psychosocial growth, the Westside Clubhouse plays a crucial role in enhancing the welfare of its members.

Keywords : Clubhouse, Safety Net, Psychosocial Rehabilitation.

Conference Name : International Conference on Mental Health, Psychology and Social Care (ICMHPSC - 26)

Conference Place : Sao Paulo, Brazil

Conference Date : 19th Mar 2026