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World Mental Health Day 2026: BelongingWORKS
Belonging is part of recovery. It breaks isolation, builds confidence, and connects us to a life of possibility. For…
Clubhouse International The Global Network
We are the only global mental health nonprofit that enhances recovery opportunities for people living with mental illness. Our mission is to expand the Clubhouse Model of psychosocial rehabilitation around the world, and to strengthen the global Clubhouse network through accreditation, training, advocacy, research, and public awareness.
Clubhouses The Local Community
A Clubhouse is a community-based mental health service where people living with mental illness are members, not patients. Working side-by-side with staff, members find real opportunities for employment, education, housing, and community. Built on the proven Clubhouse Model, it runs on one simple idea: recovery is possible.
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2,027
Daily deaths by suicide around the world. Mental Health conditions are a leading risk factor.
Source: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation
$6trillion
Estimated costs of mental health conditions globally by 2030.
Source: World Economic Forum
50%
Of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health
383,000
People with serious mental illness are behind bars in the US, 10 times more than the 35,000 in state psychiatric hospitals.
Source: Treatment Advocacy Center
1.1 billion
People around the world living with a mental disorder.
Source: World Health Organization
Isolation is the Crisis
Mental illness is the #1 cause of disability worldwide. Clubhouses help end isolation by building communities where members belong, contribute, and recover.
Community Makes Recovery Possible
By combining meaningful work with a supportive community, Clubhouses help break the cycle of isolation and repeated hospitalization.
50%
Reduced hospitalizations. Clubhouse is proven to significantly decrease psychiatric hospital stays for active members.
40%
Clubhouses have close to double the average employment rate of the public mental health system.
380+
Clubhouses provide community and offer pathways to recovery. Over 200,000 people access a Clubhouse each year.
A Different Approach to Recovery
The Gateway to a Better Life
Despite a childhood marked by trauma and a devastating diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder at age 29, 63-year-old Stephen Whyte of St. Louis is now living his absolute best life. After finding community and building confidence through Independence Center—a local Clubhouse program—Stephen overcame initial reluctance, a lack of self-confidence, and even his doctor's doubts to pursue employment. For the last 13 years, he has successfully worked his dream job as a tour guide and trainer at the Gateway Arch, a fulfilling role that allows him to fulfill his passion for teaching alongside a steady girlfriend and a newfound sense of belonging.
Beyond the Misconceptions: a Story about Recovery from Schizophrenia
Although schizophrenia affects over 23 million people and remains deeply misunderstood, Hattie P. of Pasco County, Florida, is proof that recovery and independence are entirely possible through the right support. Diagnosed at age 23 after a childhood of terrifying symptoms and severe bullying, Hattie found a lifeline at Vincent House, a local Clubhouse program that gave her true friendship, acceptance, and a sense of purpose. Today, at 24, she successfully manages her condition, has gained work experience through transitional employment, is preparing to move into her own independent apartment, and actively mentors other members to ensure they never feel alone.
Mental Health Recovery is Possible
After enduring nearly 100 hospitalizations following a 2015 schizoaffective disorder diagnosis, Willie found a transformative path to recovery at the AIM Center Clubhouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Though he initially struggled to connect, the isolation of the 2020 pandemic inspired him to fully embrace the Clubhouse's "Work-Ordered Day," a collaborative structure that restored his confidence, resilience, and sense of purpose. Now free from hospitalizations for three years, Willie drives for an airport shuttle company, lives in stable housing, is nearing completion of an associate's degree with aspirations to become a compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner, and is preparing to marry his fiancée, Megan, whom he met at the Clubhouse.
Bring a Clubhouse to Your Community
At any given time we work with approximately 40 startup groups in more than a dozen countries. From New Clubhouse Development Training to ongoing mentoring, we support new Clubhouses every step of the way.
