Community mental health intervention through the Clubhouse model: Implementation at the independence center

The Clubhouse model is a community-based mental health intervention program that fosters recovery for individuals with serious mental disorders (SMDs). The Independence Center Clubhouse in Saint Louis, Missouri, is the second largest of 370 worldwide and offers psychosocial support and programming to members. Prior research has examined how Clubhouse membership relates to recovery and quality of life, but few studies assess member perceptions of community environment. In this cross-sectional study, members completed a questionnaire measuring personal wellbeing, psychological distress, community environment, empowerment, and length of membership. An intercorrelation matrix, MANOVA, and moderation models were computed. Higher empowerment was associated with higher personal wellbeing and lower psychological distress; empowerment did not significantly moderate the relationship between community environment and wellbeing or distress. Longer membership was associated with higher personal wellbeing. This study examined a community-based program for persons with SMDs, particularly member perceptions with respect to recovery and quality of life.