The need for supportive policies: connecting individual placement and support to the domains of employment and mental health care

BackgroundIndividual placement and support (IPS) is an effective vocational rehabilitation programme for people with mental illness. This article analyses national policies that directly promote IPS and broader employment-related policies on mental health in 13 European countries.AnalysisIPS alone cannot address the broader workplace and policy conditions that influence sustainable employment. Therefore, creating mentally healthy working conditions also requires action by employers, healthcare systems, and policymakers.Policy optionsRecurring barriers and facilitators were identified across countries, alongside variation in governance and implementation contexts. IPS services often operate in isolation, with limited access to consistent training, data, and cross-sector coordination. A national infrastructure for IPS is therefore needed to offer implementation support, intersectoral collaboration should be strengthened and employers need to be supported to advance equity, diversity and inclusion. IPS practice will benefit from policies addressing poor mental health conditions in the workplace, and policies endorsing a recovery-oriented mental healthcare system.ConclusionIPS can build a solid bridge between mental healthcare and employment when integrated into recovery-oriented services and supported by policies that promote inclusive, mentally healthy workplaces.