— Sana Syed (Mentor: Nikhil Tomar)
Community-based treatment for mental illness rehabilitation has increased in prevalence over the last several decades. The subpopulation of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) represents over one-third of the 26.5 million Americans seeking mental health treatment in 2021. SMI is described as a subset of mental illness that interferes with one’s daily life. The clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation is one form of community-based rehabilitation that was created for this population. With over 350 clubhouses worldwide, this model is dedicated to supporting and empowering its members through collaboration and a restorative environment. With funding from the Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research, I conducted an exploratory study examining the influence of space within the clubhouse and the surrounding community, and its effects on member’s participation in this program. I gathered information from both members and staff at a clubhouse through interviews, surveys, and observations. Preliminary findings highlighted four major themes in relation to space and participation. The four major themes were space inside the clubhouse, space outside the clubhouse, stigma, and relationships. In this article I delve into the specific factors that influence member’s participation in the clubhouse rehabilitation model and how this information can be used to support member engagement and rehabilitation.
