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
Vertical Divider

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​