Supported Employment: Building Your Program - SAMHSA Store ...

Is Supported Employment cost-effective?Only limited research has examined the cost ofproviding SE services. This research shows thatwhen an SE program is added to an existingpsychiatric rehabilitation program, overall costsof services (that is, the combined treatment andemployment program costs) increase. However,when an SE program replaces another rehabilitationprogram—such as a day treatment program—the overall treatment costs remain the same.Assuming a caseload of about 18 consumers peremployment specialist, the cost of SE servicestypically ranges between $2,000 and $3,000 perconsumer per year (Clark, 1998; Kregel et al., 2000).SE programs may either increase overall treatmentcosts or not affect treatment costs, depending onwhether the services are added or substituted foranother service in a rehabilitation program.In summary, many mental health systems andagencies are confronted with the challenge ofmeeting the needs of consumers in an environmentof limited resources. The SE model, an evidencebasedpractice, is one of the most effective servicestrategies available, demonstrating consistent,positive outcomes for consumers.What Is Supported Employment 8 Building Your Program