The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model is founded on several core principles, one of which is the integration of employment services with mental health treatment services. In the scenario, the treatment team is divided, indicating a disconnect between the individual's vocational goal and the clinical team's perspective. An IPS practitioner's role is to function as a member of the mental health treatment team. This integration facilitates communication, collaborative problem-solving, and ensures that clinical and vocational staff work together to support the person's stated goal. By integrating these services, the team can develop a unified plan that addresses concerns about stress while honoring the individual's choice to work.

B. This is not a prerequisite. IPS emphasizes rapid job search, with supports developed concurrently with, not before, employment.

C. This reflects a "train-then-place" model, which IPS opposes. IPS is a "place-then-train" approach where skills are developed on the job.

D. The individual has already determined her goal. The IPS model respects client self-determination; the practitioner's role is to support the chosen goal.

1. Dartmouth IPS Supported Employment Center. (2008). Supported Employment Fidelity Scale. Item 2, "Integration of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Services," states, "The employment specialist is a member of the mental health treatment team... The team members meet regularly to discuss their shared clients." This principle directly addresses the need for a unified team approach.

2. Bond, G. R., Drake, R. E., & Becker, D. R. (2008). An update on randomized controlled trials of evidence-based supported employment. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 31(4), 280–290. https://doi.org/10.2975/31.4.2008.280.290. This article reiterates the critical components of IPS, including the integration of vocational and clinical services as a key fidelity item for achieving successful outcomes (p. 281).

3. Becker, D. R., & Drake, R. E. (2003). A working life for people with severe mental illness. Oxford University Press. Chapter 4, "The Individual Placement and Support Model," emphasizes that the employment specialist is part of the clinical team to ensure that "everyone is on the same page" regarding the client's goals and progress.