King County Behavioral Health Supported Employment Network
Behavioral Health and Recovery Division
People in recovery CAN work and Do work
Work is often a vital piece to an individual’s recovery. The Behavioral Health and Recovery Division (BHRD) provides Supported Employment Services to job seekers who are enrolled in BHRD services. We believe that everyone can work when matched with the right job and given ongoing post-hire employment supports that are tailored to their needs. Regardless of health conditions, symptoms, barriers, impairments or job history, we also believe that stable employment helps a person's recovery.
The behavioral health community used to discourage individuals from working, believing that work could negatively impact an individual’s treatment and stability. But after multiple years of research and practice, we now know that employment is a critical component to recovery and wellness.
Benefits of work
In people with mental health conditions:
- Increased income
- Increased quality of life
- Increased self-esteem
- Reduced symptoms
- Reduces hospitalizations
In people with substance use conditions:
- Higher treatment retention rates
- Higher rate of successful outcomes in treatment
Research shows that benefits of work for...
- People with mental health conditions include:
- Increased income
- Improved self esteem
- Increased quality of life
- Reduced symptoms
- Reduced hospitalizations.
- People with substance use conditions include:
- Higher rates of retention in treatment
- Higher rates of successful outcomes in treatment.
Did you know?
The Behavioral Health Supported Employment Program has demonstrated significant reductions in hospitalizations by participants of this program. For more information on outcomes, see our fact sheet here.
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