Clubhouse Services

Center of Excellence: Clubhouse International

Use the button below to visit the Clubhouse 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.

Clinical Appropriateness

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.

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.

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.

Comprehensive Clubhouse Training (Required)

Two-week training (Administrator attends the second week only).

Two-day follow-up Clubhouse site visit.

Optional Trainings

Specialized Topic Training (for Clubhouse staff and members):

Limited to a few training sessions per year but can be organized on an as needed basis for multiple Clubhouse groups.

One-week if in-residence.

New Clubhouse Development Training and Mentoring Program (for new Clubhouse start-up groups):

Group can choose between virtual sessions (three half-days) or one-week in-residence session.

Online Training (for Clubhouse staff and members):

Varies.
Comprehensive Clubhouse Training (Required)

In-residence training, offered at Authorized Training Centers.

In-person follow-up.

One-on-one synchronous remote consultations

Optional Trainings

Specialized Topic Training (for Clubhouse staff and members):

Synchronous and asynchronous online courses.

In-residence training also offered periodically at Authorized Training Centers.

New Clubhouse Development Training and Mentoring Program (for new Clubhouse startup groups):

Virtual sessions or in-residence training also offered periodically at Authorized Training Centers.

Online Training (for Clubhouse staff and members):

Synchronous and asynchronous.

We Are Not Alone (WANA) Webinars

Synchronous and asynchronous online sessions.
Comprehensive Clubhouse Training (Required)

Immersive, intermediate-level training.

One team (one staff, one member, one administrator) attends this training before Accreditation visit.

Experience an Accredited Clubhouse.

Organized daily discussion groups.

Assigned readings and observations.

Individualized consultation from trainers.

Develop custom takeaway Action Plan.

Optional Trainings

Specialized Topic Training (for Clubhouse staff and members):

Topical trainings in specific areas of Clubhouse operations, including employment, work-ordered day, young adults, director seminars, housing, and more.

New Clubhouse Development Training and Mentoring Program (for new Clubhouse start-up groups):

Emphasis on board/advisory board development, engaging the local community, initial strategic planning, hiring the Clubhouse Director, and building and space requirements.

Online Training (for Clubhouse staff and members):

Overview of the Clubhouse model.

Clubhouse International best practice standards, training programs, network support, and the Clubhouse Accreditation program.

Optional Public Resources

We Are Not Alone (WANA) Webinars

Available to the public through the Clubhouse International website.

Featuring guest speakers from Accredited Clubhouses in the U.S. and around the world on best practices for running a successful Clubhouse.

Clubhouse Services Data Tool

Clubhouse Services

Center of Excellence: Clubhouse International

Summary

Clinical Appropriateness

Age

Other Considerations

Time Commitment

Training Modality

Training Curriculum Components

Continuing Education Credits

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