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Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities Home Page
Evidence-Based Practice Initiatives
Contact Information
275 E. Main Street 4WG
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4456
Fax: (502) 564-9010
Hours: Monday–Friday
8:00 am–4:30 pm ET


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Hotlines/Other Contacts
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

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Jane Oliver
(502) 782-6182

Evidence-Based Supported Employment

Evidence-based supported employment (SE) is a well-defined approach to help people with mental illness to find and to keep competitive employment. The Johnson & Johnson–Dartmouth Community Mental Health Program chose the Individual Placement and Support model because it has been tested through scientific trials and shown to improve outcomes, if the SE program demonstrates high fidelity to the model.

Supported employment is more specifically defined by a set of core principles including:

  • Vocational and mental health services are integrated.
  • Eligibility is based on consumer choice.
  • Competitive employment is the goal.
  • The job-search process begins soon after program entry.
  • Job choice follows consumer preference.
  • Support is provided over time, based on consumer need.
  • Benefits counseling is provided.

Employment is viewed as central to recovery for individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI). In Kentucky, only 9.65 percent of adults with SMI who are receiving services from Community Mental Health Centers were employed in fiscal year 2009. This employment rate has held steady for many years.

The ultimate goal of the Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) is to develop high-fidelity supported employment services, to increase access to these services for adults with serious mental illness throughout the commonwealth, and to improve the overall employment rate for individuals who want to work.

DBH has been selected for funding and technical assistance from the Johnson & Johnson–Dartmouth Community Mental Health Program to begin to implement evidence-based supported employment in Kentucky. DBH is working in partnership with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Regional MH/MR Boards and other consumer and family member stakeholders.

Use the Contact Information to obtain materials and further information.

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