Friendly faces filled the halls as a staff guided me through the Independence Center, a clubhouse in St. Louis for individuals living with mental health conditions. On the tour, she showcased spaces where members build job skills, friendships, and joy. A fitness room, a thrift shop, a cafe, a center for job assistance, and a room filled with plants each offered a unique purpose for members. I was told that, in a clubhouse model, it would be tricky to know who were staff vs. members. And this was true. There was a sense of genuineness, belonging, and mutual respect. The people here seemed to truly care about each other.
I felt appreciative just knowing this place was in existence.
Clubhouse Models
The Independence Center is one of more than 300 organizations worldwide following what is known as a clubhouse model, spaces set aside for individuals living with mental health conditions to connect. While individual clubhouses may vary, according to Clubhouse International clubhouses are designed as self-run communities where all members play an important role in upkeep. Decisions are made in an egalitarian manner and support can be given in arenas such as housing or finding work.
While clubhouses might function alongside clinical services, the crux of the model focuses on wellness and community rather than only treating mental illness (McKay, 2024).
Rather than “patients” or “clients,” individuals in a clubhouse model are members, each playing an intricate role in the clubhouse’s community.
The benefits are clear. A 2018 systemic review of 52 articles found multiple benefits for individuals with serious mental health conditions who participated in a clubhouse program, including improved quality of life, social relationships, and employment (Mckay et al., 2018). Another study from Canada found that engagement in a clubhouse meant a decreased risk for psychiatric hospitalization after enrollment for individuals living with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia (Russell et al., 2022).
Beyond Treatment
Isolation is a real challenge for many individuals living with mental health conditions. One study of individuals living with schizophrenia in clinical remission (in other words, individuals whose symptoms were under control) found that of the 160 participants, 80% continued to experience significant levels of loneliness (Suman et al., 2023). Human beings are social creatures. Often, our relationships contribute most to life satisfaction. In a large-scale study, isolation was shown to be linked to worsened mental health symptoms and suicidal ideation among individuals living with psychosis (Bornheimer et al., 2020).
As a therapist, I can give support in the therapy room, provide psychotherapy, and encourage individuals to take steps toward creating the relationships they desire. Yet, this is no replacement for community.
What is offered by a clubhouse model reaches beyond the treatment of mental illness toward the improvement of individuals’ overall well-being. While medication and therapy may assist in the reduction of mental health symptoms, this is only one part of recovery from a mental health condition. Clubhouses offer an opportunity for a felt sense of meaning and inclusion.
Closing
I am encouraged by clubhouse model communities. The impact of such programs is clear. Still, not all areas are lucky enough to benefit from a clubhouse. I hope that, in time more will open so that every person living with a mental health condition may have a chance to participate.
