What Influences Referrals to and Use of Supported Employment Among Consumers with Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Use Disorders?

Employment serves as an important aid in the recovery process for adults with mental illness. Supported employment has been recognized as an effective method of assisting adults with severe mental illness in entering the competitive workforce. However, less is known about the impact of Supported Employment among individuals with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. The present study draws on an on-going three-year longitudinal study designed to improve the understanding of how Supported Employment services impacts consumers with co-occurring substance use and mental disorders. This is the first study to comprehensively explore the influence of substance abuse on the use of Supported Employment services. Consumers in the study are drawn from Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment programs in four mental health agencies in Ohio. Study participants include 130 consumers referred for Supported Employment services and 90 consumers in a comparison group. Data for consumers in each group is collected at three points: baseline, six-months, and twelve months. Measures include demographic data, socioeconomic characteristics, and illness characteristics, including functioning, symptomatology, and substance use. Data is collected administratively and from consumers and case managers. The presentation reports findings on predictors (demographic, socioeconomic, and illness characteristics) of referral to and use of Supported Employment services. The results of the study will help inform researchers, programs, and clinicians about which characteristics are likely to influence the referral of consumers to Supported Employment services.