Accreditation is the global quality assurance process that helps ensure Clubhouses around the world consistently and meaningfully implement the International Standards for Clubhouse Programs™. Through a peer-led process of evaluation, consultation, and support, Accreditation strengthens quality and promotes continuous improvement in the Clubhouse Model.
Membership in Clubhouse International includes a commitment to pursue Accreditation and uphold the International Standards for Clubhouse Programs™. An Accredited Clubhouse has demonstrated a commitment to implementing the Standards and maintaining fidelity to the values and principles of the Clubhouse Model.
Accreditation provides confidence to:
Accreditation is not a one-time achievement. Accredited Clubhouses continue to engage in ongoing reflection, development, and improvement as part of their commitment to excellence and the consistent implementation of the Clubhouse Model.
Learn more about the International Standards for Clubhouse Programs™.
Startup groups and programs transitioning from another service approach are required to complete the Accreditation process within four years of becoming members of Clubhouse International. This time frame gives new Clubhouses time to receive consultation, implement the International Standards for Clubhouse Programs™, participate in Comprehensive Clubhouse Training, and prepare for Accreditation.
Clubhouses that are returning to the global network after a period of lapsed membership work with Clubhouse International to plan and schedule their next Accreditation as part of rejoining.
Accreditation is a peer-led review. Each Accreditation process, including the on-site visit, is carried out by a team from the Clubhouse International Faculty for Clubhouse Development. Each Faculty team consists of:
Members of the Faculty are representatives of Accredited Clubhouses and have completed specialized Clubhouse International training to participate in the Accreditation process.
This partnership reflects the core philosophy of the Clubhouse Model – members and staff working side-by-side – and is intentionally built into the quality assurance process, ensuring that the lived experience and expertise of both members and staff inform every Accreditation.
Learn more about the Clubhouse International Faculty for Clubhouse Development.
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Once a Clubhouse submits its Accreditation application and fee payment, Clubhouse International provides a pre-Accreditation packet with the resources, timelines, and information needed to guide the Clubhouse through each stage of the Accreditation process.
The Clubhouse community conducts a collaborative assessment of its practices using the Standards and submits a written Self-Study document.
A Faculty team reviews the Self-Study and other relevant documentation ahead of the on-site visit, engages in a 3-day on-site visit to observe operations and engage with members, staff, and stakeholders, and provides consultation, resources, and support throughout the process.
At the conclusion of the 3-day on-site visit, the Faculty presents a preliminary findings report highlighting the Clubhouse’s strengths, suggestions, and recommendations for continued growth.
Clubhouse International reviews the Faculty’s preliminary findings for consistency, issues a final written report, and determines Accreditation status. The report documents the findings of the review and serves as a roadmap for ongoing quality improvement.
Clubhouses may achieve Accreditation for a period of one to three years, depending on the outcome of the review.
Accreditation represents an ongoing commitment to quality improvement. Clubhouses may access continued consultation and support from Clubhouse International, its Faculty team, and Training Centers to strengthen implementation of the International Standards for Clubhouse Programs™ and support continued growth.
The Accreditation process was extremely valuable. It helped us clearly identify our strengths and better understand the areas where we need to focus. It was also an important opportunity for members and staff to feel proud of what we have accomplished together. The recommendations were clear and relevant, and we appreciated the Faculty team’s focus on key Standards and the way they encouraged us to think strategically about growth and sustainability.
Casaclub Baires, Argentina
To begin a new Accreditation process, member Clubhouses can access Accreditation resources and submit required materials through the Clubhouse International Portal.
Log in to the Clubhouse International Portal to get started.
The Accreditation process is heavily subsidized by Clubhouse International to help ensure it remains accessible to member Clubhouses of all sizes and funding levels. The current Accreditation fee is $3,800.
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Clubhouse International is committed to ensuring that the Accreditation process is fair, transparent, and reflective of the International Standards for Clubhouse Programs™.
If a Clubhouse has questions, concerns, or disagreement regarding its Accreditation report or outcome, the Clubhouse Director must contact the Accreditation Program Staff Team at accreditation@clubhouse-intl.org within sixty (60) days of the date of the Accreditation report.
Have questions about Accreditation or want to learn more about the process?
Contact the Clubhouse International Accreditation Team.
