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Clubhouse Services

Center of Excellence: Clubhouse International

Use the button below to visit this COE’s website and learn more about this Evidence-Based Practice (EBP). Interested in initiating a consultation with this COE? County behavioral health agencies are encouraged to select the button below to complete an Engagement Initiation Form.

Summary

Clubhouses are inclusive, community-based environments rooted in empowerment that support members living with mental health conditions in their recovery. Clubhouses provide opportunities for employment, socialization, education, and skill development to improve members’ physical and mental health, as well as their overall quality of life and wellbeing. In a Clubhouse, members work alongside Clubhouse staff as equals and all members in the Clubhouse work together towards contributing to shared community needs.

Target Population

Eligibility Criteria:

Appropriate for: Adults with a diagnosis consistent with serious mental illness (SMI) or co-occurring SMI and substance use disorders (SUD).

Age:
18 years or older
Other Considerations:

May not be appropriate for: Adults solely diagnosed with SUD, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), or psychosis induced by a medical condition.

Key Components of Model

The Clubhouse model is an intentional, voluntary, and organized support system that uses a strengths-based approach to help members build emotional, cognitive, and social skills in an inclusive, community-based setting.

Key features of the Clubhouse model include:

  • Work-ordered day.​
  • Evening, weekend, and holiday activities.
  • Community support services.​
  • Employment programs​.
  • Supported education.
  • Housing supports. ​
  • Reach out services.​
  • Decision-making and governance.

Team Structure/Staffing Model

A typical Clubhouse will include at least four staff, including one Clubhouse director and other mental health practitioners with training in the Clubhouse model.

Behavioral health practitioners that may work in a Clubhouse include:

  • Licensed mental health professionals.
  • Mental health rehabilitation specialists.
  • Physician assistants.
  • Pharmacists.
  • Other qualified providers, medical assistants, clinical trainees, and counselors.

Clubhouse Services covered by Medi-Cal must be provided by or under the direction of a licensed professional.