Show 1069: What Is the Clubhouse Model for People with Mental Illness?

The treatment of mental illness has a discouraging history in this country. Even in the 21st century, psychiatrists rely principally on antipsychotic medications without much else in the way of support. These drugs have serious side effects, and although they are helpful for those who truly need them, they are too often prescribed inappropriately.

Finding Community Support:

There is another approach that can complement antipsychotic drugs. When people with mental illness are invited to participate in a community as equal partners and given the support they need to do so, the results can be encouraging. Find out about the clubhouse model of caring for those with mental illness and why it works so well.

This Week's Guests:

Allen Frances, MD, is a professor emeritus at Duke University School of Medicine where he previously chaired the department of psychiatry. Dr. Frances chaired the task force that created the DSM IV manual for psychiatric diagnoses. He is author of Saving Normal: An Insider’s Revolt against Out-of-Control Psychiatric Diagnosis, DSM-5, Big Pharma, and the Medicalization of Ordinary Life.

Matthew Cox is a clubhouse member at Club Nova in Carrboro, NC. He serves on the board of directors there and is on the faculty for clubhouse development with Clubhouse International.

Ralph Aquila, MD, is the medical director for Fountain House, the original clubhouse located in New York City. He is the executive director of the Center for Reintegration.

Pauline Nichols was formerly clubhouse director for the state of Pennsylvania. She was director of development for Clubhouse International for ten years. Currently she is the CEO of Nichols Global and Associates. www.FountainHouse.org. Reintegration.com

To reach Pauline Nichols find her on Facebook or LinkedIn.