Why do we need a Clubhouse?
- Because, based on the Statewide Behavioral Health Strategic Plan, Galveston Clubhouse will address the following gaps in programmed care in Galveston:
- 1. Increase access to appropriate behavioral health services for under-served populations. (Gap 1)
- 2. Enhance continuity of care and systemic coordination for justice-involved individuals. (Gap 5)
- 3. Support continued implementation of evidenced-based practices. (Gap 7)
- 4. Increase access to Peer Services. (Gap 8)
- 5. Increase access to behavioral health and employment services to promote employment and housing stability. (Gap 12)
- Because the Clubhouse Model is an Evidence Based/ Best Practice Intervention. The Clubhouse Model was accepted for inclusion on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Registry of Evidence Based Practices and Programs in 2011. Additionally, SAMHSA’s Community Mental Health Services’ Community Support Program funded 14 projects designed to implement and evaluate Consumer-Operated services. Finally, SAMHSA’s FY 2019-2023 Strategic Plan has a stated objective for “expanding use of community recovery support systems such as Clubhouses”.
- Because, even though Clubhouse is a non-clinical approach, it is still a treatment of persons with mental illness and its fundamental treatment approach is called social practice. Defined as: an intentional community to help people recover from mental illness. The Clubhouse Community, which is made up of trained professionals and individuals recovering from mental illness, is designed to provide psycho-social rehabilitation. With psycho-social rehabilitation, participant members learn emotional, cognitive, and social skills, and get holistic support in all aspects of their lives. The goal is to address the social symptoms of mental illness that cannot be directly managed with medication alone, while also giving access to support with care management, employment and housing opportunities, as well as wellness activities.
- Because, while Galveston County has many excellent service providers who clinically treat clients with outstanding mental health care, there is nothing in Galveston County that creates a place for persons with severe mental illness to BELONG to a community where stigma and shame are absent, and where they can relate in meaningful relationships, doing meaningful work. (But now there will be.)