Chapter 34: Work for Graduates with Mental Health Challenges: Overcoming Obstacles of School to Work Transition

Individuals with mental illness face numerous challenges and difficulties in their quest to secure employment after completing a college degree. The majority of persons with mental illness desire to work and express their desire for job services and support, today. With unemployment on the rise, individuals with disabilities are finding it ever more difficult to obtain employment. Finding employment and an occupational identity is especially important for those with chronic mental illness, who have often been defined by their illness (Seeman, 2009). The positive effects of employment foster pride and self-esteem, promote coping strategies and facilitate the process of recovery (Dunn, Wewiorski, & Rogers, 2008) The focus of this chapter is on vocational counseling and support of young professionals with mental health issues, identifying the themes and issues individuals are facing, and supporting their efforts to become resilient in their approach. Much of the information contained in this chapter was obtained from lessons learned and experience gained in coordinating a program called Employable. Employable is designed to help professionally oriented individuals who are dealing with mental health issues enter the workforce. It assists in providing holistic services in an atmosphere free of stigma. The program provides vocational counseling, resource coordination, as well as direct placement assistance, including leads and ideas for jobs and career paths. For those who have secured employment, ongoing contact with a counselor is provided for at least six months (http://www.careerdevelopmentcenter.org).