Supported education programming for adults with psychiatric disabilities: results from a national survey

Over the last 10 years, supported education (SEd) programs have been the topic of many journal publications and conference presentations, but little is known about their numbers and types across the U.S. This article reports the results of a national survey of all known SEd programs, numbering over 100. The largest number was associated with clubhouses, where full and partial SEd models could be identified. On-site supported education programs were located in community colleges and universities. A dozen "free-standing" programs were also identified. Analyses documented differences across program types in services provided, budget amounts and sources, and coordination with mental health and higher educational institutions. If supported education is to move beyond a specialty program in mental health, providers need to do more to market these services and to work collaboratively with stakeholder groups to expand supported education programming.