Academia and Mental Health Practice Evaluation Partnerships: Focus on the Clubhouse Model

In this article, the authors explore evaluation between a local mental health agency and a researcher from the local university with a focus on issues for ongoing inquiry in the unique clubhouse setting and special attention to maximizing member participation and comfort throughout the process. Due to grantor expectations and a growing culture of systematic evaluation of psychosocial rehabilitation, establishing and implementing outcome indicator protocols is important for the modern clubhouse. The authors and club members collaborated on developing a new outcome indicator protocol. After completing the process, information was gathered from members and the research team about their comfort level throughout the process. The university and the clubhouse can be effective evaluation partners; however, attention to important issues in clubhouse research must be a priority. Several important issues and tips for clubhouses considering program evaluation are included.

KEYWORDS:

• Clubhouse
• psychosocial rehabilitation
• program evaluation
• outcome indicators
• university practice partnerships