Also known as psychiatric rehabilitation, psychosocial rehabilitation focuses on restoring functional independence to people who live with mental illness. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), it is "the process of enhancing the recovery of individuals with severe mental illness by teaching or restoring psychological, behavioral, social, and vocational skills that will enable them to function in their community."
The Psychosocial Rehabilitation Model
Psychosocial rehabilitation services are grounded in a philosophy of holistic care, social support, and strength-based approaches to treating mental illness. The ultimate goal of psychosocial rehabilitation is to enable individuals with mental illnesses to live happy, largely self-sufficient lives in their communities.
In the same way that individuals with chronic physical injuries or illnesses are often able to lead independent lives with the right care, psychosocial rehabilitation specialists believe that with the right resources and support, individuals who live with mental illness can still live fulfilling lives even if their symptoms are not totally gone.
What Does Psychosocial Rehabilitation Look Like?
Just as the experience of and treatment for mental illness vary from person to person, so too will their psychosocial rehabilitation process. Psychosocial rehabilitation programs might include (but are not limited to) the following services:
- medication management
- psychological support
- family counseling
- vocational and independent living training
- housing assistance
- job coaching
- educational assistance
- social support
Since 1948, Envision Unlimited has been dedicated to helping people with disabilities live happy, fulfilled lives in their communities. Our offerings, which include day programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; mental health, residential, and employment services; specialized foster care; and accredited applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for children, are designed to address the unique needs of each of our clients—regardless of age, background, or ability.