IPS – Individual Placement and Support

However, we know that people with serious psychological issues like sensitivity to psychosis or mood swings, don’t get there on their own, even though the desire is there. In Europe for example, 85 percent of people with sensitivity to psychosis says they’d like to work. In reality, only 20 percent of them has a paying job. The rest stays home – often not by choice, but because the system is flawed.

And that’s where IPS comes in: Individual Placement and Support. A simple but brilliant method to support people who are psychologically vulnerable in finding and keeping a regular job. Not in an isolated place of work, but between other people, in a real jobs. And if going to work is a step too far, Supported Education, or Special Educational Needs (SEN) can be a nice stepping stone – being in education but with appropriate support and guidance. Because ‘joining in’ often starts with learning things.

Back to work or studies with IPS

IPS works – more than 27 international studies have proven this. But in the Netherlands it still leaves much to be desired. It is not offered enough, it is badly organised, and professionals often don’t know how to refer people to it. And the most heartbreaking: the people that need IPS the most – people with a background of immigration, low skilled people, or people who don’t have many connections – often don’t even know it exists. And when they do know, the system doesn’t always cater for them.

In Europe, research is being done on this. They are looking at who should receive IPS, and who shouldn’t. And what plays a part in the care providers’ decision? And how do people really experience it themselves – especially if you’re just that tiny bit different, because your parent were born in a different country for example. These are exactly the question we should be asking in the Netherlands. Because recovery is not a question of some pills or protocols. Recovery is searching for what works, together. What gives hope, and what is meaningful.

IPS is not a miracle cure

And yes, IPS is not a miracle cure. It has to be properly imbedded in the healthcare system, and local councils have to really work together with the mental healthcare sector – and that isn’t happening nearly enough. Work coaches have to be able to consult healthcare workers. People shouldn’t have to have their whole life figured out in order to be able to partake – the taking part should be a step in the recovery process. And perhaps the most important thing: we have to start asking people what they actually want, and listen to what they say.

So, what do we need ?

• More knowledge of IPS and SEd amongst care providers, clients, and referring physicians
• Structured cooperation between councils and mental healthcare services (not a ‘you need to go and see them’, but a ‘we are in this together’)
• Attention to inclusion: make sure people with a language barrier, little faith in the authorities, or trauma-experiences can take part.
• And of course: a real cocreation with people who are experiencing it themselves – so the offered help doesn’t just exist on paper, but in real life too.

Ask what is meaningful to someone

If we really want to work on recovery, we have to stop imposing ‘what would be good for them’ on people, and start asking what is really meaningful to them. Work and schooling should not be a luxury in this – they are often the cornerstone of recovery. IPS is one of the few proven methods to reach that cornerstone. Let’s make sure that this approach isn’t just available to happy few, but for everybody who – despite everything – wants to take part again.

Translated from Dutch by SGM Taplin