A Place to Belong: Clubhouse International Redefines Mental Health Recovery One Community at a Time

Our Executive Director and CEO, Joel D. Corcoran, joined Tony Mantor's podcast "Why Not Me?" to talk about the power and impact of the Clubhouse movement. From our roots to our global reach, Joel shares what makes Clubhouse communities life-changing for people living with mental illness.

From May 19-23, 2025, Clubhouse International and Fountain House led the U.S. Clubhouse Week of Action, a nationwide effort highlighting how the Clubhouse Model transforms lives and strengthens communities. Clubhouses across the country welcomed elected officials, community leaders, and media to advocate for policies and funding that support broader access to this life-changing model. Click here to learn more about the campaign and Clubhouse activations.

We are pleased to announce a new resource and website to help Clubhouses identify and strengthen connections with local universities. Clubhouse International is partnering with Active Minds (Notre Dame Chapter), to help local Clubhouses in the U.S. connect with Active Minds chapters. This campus-based collaboration will advance understanding of mental illness and enhance community connections.

Transforming Lives: Clubhouse Impact Report, summarizing the most compelling research on the Clubhouse Model, is now available! This visual report integrates findings from 15 rigorous, peer-reviewed studies conducted between 1999 and 2021 into an integrated theory of change, shown in the image above created by Dr. Joy Agner and her team at the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, USA. Click here to learn how to download and customize this invaluable advocacy tool!

A new study done by the Detroit Wayne Health Network (Michigan, USA), powerfully demonstrates that Clubhouses provide individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) the resources and support to adequately address their needs and help reduce psychiatric recidivism. This study is unique in that it is focused on the direct impact of Clubhouse participation on clinical outcomes, particularly in reducing psychiatric readmission rates. Click here to read the full study.

Clubhouse International is spearheading bold global advocacy efforts in 2025 to help transform the future of mental health care. As part of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we’re launching a series of impactful initiatives that reflect our core belief: mental health is a universal human right. Click here to read our latest article highlighting upcoming advocacy efforts to raise awareness of how the Clubhouse Model serves as a vital lifeline for individuals and communities around the world.