The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model is an evidence-based intervention designed to promote competitive employment among individuals with severe mental illnesses (SMIs) and complex mental health conditions. By integrating vocational support with mental health services, IPS represents a key approach to fostering social inclusion and functional recovery. However, less is known about long-term employment trajectories and the role of individual and contextual factors in shaping outcomes.
This longitudinal study aimed to assess employment outcomes among IPS participants in Italy over a 42-month period and to examine the influence of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Data were drawn from a regional cohort of 1,408 individuals enrolled in IPS programs across seven Community Mental Health Centers. Information on diagnoses, work history, and employment outcomes was analyzed using descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods.
Results showed that employment outcomes varied significantly across diagnostic groups. Individuals with schizophrenia, personality disorders, and depression achieved higher job acquisition rates, whereas those with addiction disorders and milder psychiatric conditions faced greater barriers. Native participants were more likely to obtain employment compared to non-native participants, although no differences emerged in job retention once employment was secured. Additionally, job duration differed across diagnoses, with shorter employment periods observed among individuals with addiction disorders.
Findings confirm the effectiveness of IPS in supporting employment among individuals with severe mental health conditions, while highlighting persistent disparities linked to diagnosis and nativity. From a psychosocial perspective, the results underscore the importance of tailoring vocational interventions to individual needs and addressing contextual barriers to promote more equitable and sustainable employment pathways.