The Clubhouse Model

What is a Clubhouse?​ 

 

A clubhouse is a community-based location designed to support the recovery of people living with serious mental illness (SMI). Each clubhouse provides a restorative environment for people whose lives have been severely disrupted because of their mental illness. The concept of a clubhouse — which was pioneered by Fountain House in the 1940s — starts with the idea that “community is therapy.”​ 

 

In each clubhouse, an intentional community is created, where members and staff work together, side-by-side, to carry out all daily operations of the clubhouse. Members are also given access to crisis intervention services when needed and are connected with resources to support their basic needs, including support with employment, relationship building, education, housing, and daily meals.