Over 60 percent of people with mental illness do not work. However, up to 70 percent of these people want a job, according to an article in Health Affairs. While there are federal work programs in place, their effectiveness in finding employment for people with mental illness is worse than any other disability group. As a result, 13 states and several private mental health centers have taken the initiative by applying what is known as supported employment programs.

Proved to be the most effective method to help people obtain employment, supported employment programs help individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses find work suited to their needs and interests. These programs specialize in finding participants "competitive employment" jobs that are open to anyone in the community. Working with a team of mental health workers, employment specialists are designed to help clients find jobs as soon as possible without having to make evaluations or pre-long training sessions. Employment specialists find employment for clients to network with employers and community colleges.