Interagency Collaboration in the Rehabilitation of Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities

Issue title: Psychiatric Impairment

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Katz, Lynda J.

Affiliations: University of Pittsburgh, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Abstract: Impetus for the promotion of interagency collaboration between the vocational rehabilitation system and the mental health system came about after the signing of the joint National Institute for Mental Health/Rehabilitation Services Administration Interagency Agreement in 1978, drawing particular attention to the needs of persons with long-term mental illness. As a result of this federal agreement, joint demonstration projects and cross-agency training grants were funded in order to facilitate collaborative activities between the MH system and the VR system on state and local levels. The efforts of one such federally funded interagency training program conducted by faculty and staff from the University of Pittsburgh throughout the six states of RSA Region III are detailed. Recommendations are made with respect to facilitating interagency collaborative efforts based on these training experiences.

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1991-1306

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 45-57, 1991