Longitudinal Outcomes of Individual Placement and Support for Patients With Severe Mental Illness in Italy

Objectives: To assess the long-term impact of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model on employment outcomes among individuals with severe mental illnesses (SMIs) and personality disorders (PDs) in Italy, and to examine the role of sociodemographic and clinical factors over a 42-month period. Methods: We analyzed a 42-month longitudinal cohort of 1,408 IPS participants from seven Community Mental Health Centers in northern Italy. Data on demographics, diagnoses, and employment history were collected. Employment outcomes were compared across diagnostic groups and by nativity using Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Employment rates varied significantly by diagnosis. Participants with schizophrenia, PDs, 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, although job retention rates were comparable between groups. Job tenure differed across diagnoses, with those with addiction disorders showing shorter employment durations. Conclusion: The IPS model improves employment for individuals with SMIs and PDs, though disparities by diagnosis and nativity remain. Tailored interventions are needed to promote more inclusive and equitable vocational rehabilitation.