Barriers to Community Integration for Participants in Community-Based Psychiatric Rehabilitation

This pilot study examined barriers to community integration for adults with serious mental illness (SMI) enrolled in a community-based psychiatric rehabilitation program. Program staff administered a self-report scale to 135 adults (mean age = 43.3 years, 53% men, 65.1% White). Staff completed the same measure. Individuals with mental illness and staff differed significantly in their reports of the type, number, F(1, 73) = 29.25, P < .0001, and severity (F (1, 176) = 43.53, P < .0001) of barriers to community integration. Clinicians should assist adults with SMI to identify relevant barriers, and participate in treatment planning and outcome evaluation.