Place First, Then Train: An Alternative to the Medical Model of Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Abstract

The medical model has promoted a train-place model for psychiatric rehabilitation. This model carefully trains people with psychiatric disabilities on a range of skills so they can handle real-world demands before placing them in work and independent living situations. More consistent with a social work perspective are place-train programs, which rapidly place people with psychiatric disorders in real-world settings so they can experience the benefits, as well as the challenges of these situations, and then provide the necessary training and support to successfully maintain these placements. This article compares the two models and shows that place-train approaches can help people with serious mental illness attain many of their work and housing goals without increasing the frequency of relapse.