What is Individual Placement and Support?

Many people with lived experience of mental illness want to work. Satisfying employment leads to a more meaningful life for most adults, and has been shown to promote recovery for people with mental illnesses. Individual Placement and Support (also called IPS) supported employment is an evidence-based approach to help people find competitive employment that fits their preferences. Once a person finds a job, IPS programs provide ongoing workplace support.

IPS Principles
  • Every client who wants to work is eligible for IPS services
  • Competitive jobs are the primary goal of supported employment
  • Supported employment services are integrated with comprehensive mental health treatment
  • Personalized benefits counseling is provided to every IPS client
  • People are placed in jobs when they say they’re ready
  • Employment specialists receive extensive training in supported employment and in developing relationships with businesses and other employment opportunities
  • IPS clients receive job supports for as long as required
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Find IPS in Illinois & Other States
Map of IPS Services in Illinois
Metro Chicago IPS providers 

​Here are some ways to find IPS programs in other states: 
  • In Google or another search engine, type “Individual Placement and Support” followed by the name of your town and state. 
  • Go to USA.gov and type “Individual Placement and Support” into the search bar at the top right. Then scroll down to look for your state. 
  • Contact your state's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation or your state’s Department of Mental or Behavioral Health (each state uses its own name) and ask for the location of available supported employment services, including IPS.

Launch Your Job Search 
Get & Keep a Job
Hear from job seekers about how IPS helped them to overcome obstacles and societal stigma to become gainfully employed.

Get Started Offering IPS
​​IPS Resources to Build a Program​