Individual Placement and Support (IPS)

IPS is an evidenced-based model of supported employment for persons living with a mental illness. Work is one of the best treatments for individuals living with serious mental illness and co-occurring disorder. 60% of people with serious mental illness want to work but only 15% are employed. Our IPS program works to bridge that gap. Many individuals see work as an essential part of recovery. Being productive is a basic human need, and employment can be a way out of poverty improving a person’s overall quality of life. Work has a positive impact on self-esteem, life satisfaction, and reducing symptoms (Luciano, Bond, & Drake, 2014). IPS continues to have proven success in Tennessee and beyond.

Studies show that people in IPS attain employment faster, hold their jobs for longer, and work more hours. In 4 randomized controlled trials, over an 18-month period, approximately 3 times as many people receiving IPS services achieved employment and worked more hours, and people receiving IPS services worked overall four times as many hours compared to controls.

TMHCA proudly serves the following counties in TN
Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Cumberland, Dekalb, Grundy, Jackson, Marshall, Maury, Overton, Putnam, Smith, Van Buren, Warren, and White

 For more information contact:
Jordan Young (Director of Employment, Education, and Advocacy)
(615) 920-2349
jyoung1@tmhca-tn.org

the eight practice principles

Tennessee Facts

  • IPS began in Tennessee in October 2013
  • Thirteen agencies across the state have IPS Supported Employment Programs
  • Agencies served 956 individuals in fiscal year 2018 with a statewide employment rate of 46%.
  • Two of the IPS sites are participating in a national Social Security Administration study.
  • Some IPS Programs focus on providing Supported Employment and Education services to youth and young adults, utilizing the IPS model.
  • Tennessee is a member of the International IPS Learning Collaborative.
  • Job obtained are as unique as the individuals being served. Everywhere from nurses to cashiers, lifeguards to receptionists, warehouse workers to day-care attendants, and many more!